FLYBOYRD49,
This topic has been covered extensively here:
http://www.livinginthephilippines.com/forum/index.php?board=58.0, but here's my lengthy two cents worth just for you!
Since your wife is a Filipina and will be traveling with her and your child, you will all get the BB stamp good for a free one year stay upon entry into the Philippines! BTW, as a new BI ruling,
"balikbayan former Filipino citizens" can just purchase a one-way ticket to or from the Philippines and or other countries!
It also includes you and your child, which is a first that I have seen this in print, but not confirmed on the BI gov website, but I do have a Facebook message from BI saying so. (refer to the link "Anyway Around This Rule" half way down the page). So, if one is going to stay in the Philippines for a year or indefinite, why pay the extra cost of a round trip ticket with an on-ward (throwaway) ticket when a Balikbayan is now exempted, but most airlines still don't know this new ruling or they've misinterpreted the ruling! So, it's best to ask your airline where you will be purchasing your tickets to be on the safe side!
One looses money refunding a return and an on-ward (throwaway) ticket!
The round trip and on-ward tickets only refers to regular non-Filipino, non-Balikbayan tourists! THE ON-WARD TICKET RULE - former Filipino citizens, their spouse and children are exempted
http://philfaqs.com/get-there/do-i-need-a-return-ticket-to-fly-to-the-philippines/In order to avoid any misunderstandings or arguments with any immigration and or airline officials, show them a copy of the article or BI memorandums to back up your statements to the facts or explanations! It would also be wise to send an email to the main BI office in Manila to get it in writing via your email conversations concerning this matter and also have point of contact in the future!
BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM RA6768
http://www.philippinessanfrancisco.org/philippines-sf/consular-services-sf/faq-sf/#balikbayanAt least within that year, you can decide what visa is best for you, your wife and children.
Dual citizenship for your wife and children would be the best way to go and if you still have time left, do it there in the U.S., because it's much easier and faster and should only take less than an hour if you get to the Philippine Consulate at opening time! New Philippines passport applications will take 6 months in the U.S. and a few weeks in the Philippines, but a hassle!
For you the foreign spouse, the BB Program with extensions up to an additional 24 months after your BB stamp has expired, 13a or the SRRV is available to you! There are pros and cons weather to apply for your 13a or SRRV in the U.S. vs doing it in the Philippines! The advantage of still being in the U.S., you can get your police clearance and or your FBI clearance and finger prints alot easier and will be used for your 13a or SRRV application, because once in the Philippines it's a hassle! Just do your own research and decide for yourself!
Other tips that may be helpful:
* Notifying or enrolling with the U.S. Embassy or State Department isn't mandatory, but read the info at the link below and make your own decision to do so or not!
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_4789.html* Notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be residing in the Philippines, because if you don't they may block your accounts when you try to use your credit cards outside of the U.S.!
* Bring ample amounts of your blank U.S. personal checks so you can write out personal checks for dollar deposits into your local Philippine dollar account, but will usually take 25 days to clear!
Read all the topics on here concerning banking in the Philippines to avoid all the pitfalls!
* About medical insurance health plans! Will your U.S. medical insurance company cover you and your family in the Philippines? Most hospitals here only accept cash up front, maybe except for Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Etna Medical Health Insurance! Since you are retired military, TRICARE here is not the same as in the U.S., you still have to pay cash up front here and then file for reimbursement to TRICARE, which takes a few months to get reimbursed, a real big hassle! BTW, it's best that you update you and your family's DEERS info and military I.D. cards at your nearest military installation before coming to the Philippines!
https://www.google.com/search?q=military+rapids