Hello Sam, welcome to the forum
I took the liberty of starting your own thread for you. Hope that's OK
First things first, you and your fiance need to fully understand those important documents that will be needed for your wedding in Philippines. There are many useful threads here a quick search will provide all you both need to know.
Concerning the Spouse Visa processing time take a look at this forum thread
Timeline : ILR/ FLR/ Settlement Spouse / Fiance Visa
You'll see the actual processing time for members here.
Just recently the timing has significantly reduced.
The UKBA indicate that a Spouse/Fiancee visa processing will be up to 40 days for 38% of cases and up to 60 days for 90% of cases.
I notice that your fiance is considering having a UK immigration advisor prepare the application.
Look to be honest I have no way of knowing why he makes that decision. The advisor will only
prepare the application based TOTALLY on the documents and supporting evidence provided by the sponsor, your fiance.
Again, I don't know what documents you husband already has or not, but on the basis that he can meet the financial requirement as a employee with earned income of £18600 then the preparation of the application will be in the order of about one month. Certainly not 6-9 months.
What is the reason that your fiancee is considering engaging a barrister/advisor rather than preparing himself and just having the barrister/advisor do a simple "Document Check" before submitting.
The visa application must be by online and the payment must be make online also.
Be sure that any advisor is approved and registered by The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)