Immigration Bureau to fine airlines for tourists without return tickets

I got caught on this one earlier this year. Had a one-way ticket into Cambodia so had to buy a return ticket to return to Manila. It's just another bit of bureaucratic hassle. An example of the xenophobia that's quite widespread.

One of the reasons I moved to Cambodia. Less hassle on visas.

BTW, the balikbayan visa is only valid if your wife travels with you, ie., you can't use it to enter the Philippines alone.