While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Philippine laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties are strict for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines.
Capital punishment is possible for certain drug-related crimes.
The Philippine Government has very strict laws regarding the possession of firearms by foreigners and several foreigners have been sentenced to life imprisonment for bringing firearms into the country. Americans who are arrested overseas should immediately ask to speak to a U.S. Embassy representative. A U.S. citizen may execute this affidavit at the American Embassy in Manila on Tuesday or Thursday mornings, or at the Consular Agency in Cebu. Philippine authorities will not accept any substitute document initiated in the United States. Execution of the affidavit is a notarial act by the U.S. consular officer and, as such, the consular officer is authorized by Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 92.9b, to refuse to perform the service if the document in connection with which the notarial act is requested will be used for a purpose patently unlawful, improper, or inimical to the best interests of the United States.