Hi Stephen,

Sorry to hear about your sad news.

Approval or refusal of Visit visa applications is principally based on the discretion of the ECO.
Whatever their decision there is no real appeal process.

The real major complication always hinges on the need, by the applicant, to prove a non-immigrant intent to the satisfaction of the individual ECO.

It's oftentimes a little more tricky to establish this when there is an existing 'romantic relationship'.
I think this has been exacerbated by the number and period of previous stays which, whilst not technically outside the rules, are certainly right on the edge.

Regarding your thought to re-appy on the basis of a one month stay, well it's a personal decision really. There's very little cost and risk involved but it may be interpreted wrongly and fall for refusal again.

Not much you can do really.

The ECO has made the only decision available without actually escalating up the structure.

You might think about sending a letter to the Manila Hub for the attention of higher levels.
Ask for a reconsideration of the decision and set out concisely your circumstances and why this visit is important.

Could try these contacts:-

Kingsley Magee - Regional Operations Manager
NE Asia/Australasia - International Operations and Visas
UK Border Agency
British Embassy
120 Upper McKinley Road
Taguig City 1634
Metro Manila
Philippines


Trevor Lewis - Deputy Head of Mission
British Embassy Manila
120 Upper McKinley Road
McKinley Hill
Taguig City 1634
Metro Manila, Philippines


Asif Ahmad - British Ambassador to the Philippines
British Embassy Manila
120 Upper McKinley Road
McKinley Hill
Taguig City 1634
Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel: +63 (0)2 858 2235



Email:-
ukinthephilippines@fco.gov.uk
Cons.Manila@fco.gov.uk
uktimanila@fco.gov.uk

Telephone +63 2 858 2200

Fax (Visa) +63 2 858 2305