Exit Clearance for Tourists

[garyh]

I'm leaving the Philippines in March. I have been here since January, 2011 on a tourist visa.

At my sub-office for Immigration, the woman told me that I will need to receive an "Exit Clearance Permit" before exiting the Philippines and that I must get it at the Immigration office in either Manila or Cebu (I'm in Bacolod).

However, I have no idea how long it will take to get the clearance. I've asked around and I have heard anywhere from 1 hour to 5 days.

Since I don't live in Manila, that's a huge pain in the ass and I will likely have to spend the night in a hotel.

Does anyone actually have experience with this (specifically with tourist visas)? I need to know to figure out how long I must stay in Manila before my flight.