PAL Domestic Connection / Davao vs Manila Customs?

[AKteacher 104]

Apparently PAL has a service where you can check your luggage straight through to a domestic connection (Cebu or Davao), without having to clear your luggage through customs until the final destination is reached (see below) - very nice for those of us with small children, pregnant wife, and lots of luggage!

Question 1: Has anybody out there used this service? Does it work as they say it does? Does it save much time compared to Terminal 1 baggage claim/customs?

Question 2: Is Davao customs more likely to "take a closer look" and demand fees/bribes than customs in Manila? I've been through customs at NAIA Terminals 1 & 2 numerous times and have never had any problems. Customs in Manila seems so busy they always just wave me through... is Davao customs any different?

Here's what the PAL website says:

"If you are a passenger onboard a PAL flight from the U.S.A., Canada or Narita and are connecting to Cebu or Davao, you can proceed directly to the PAL Domestic Terminal at NAIA 2 after clearing with Immigration. You no longer need to have your baggage cleared in Manila, as the appointed Customs personnel in Cebu or Davao will take care of your baggage clearance." http://www.philippineairlines.com/faq/checkin/check_in.jsp

Thanks in advance for your advice

[Greenbaum 12,260]

I can't speak directly to your question as I have never used that service. But IMHO there are factors I am sure you are considering least these; (1) Time between flights (2) Possible delay from custom personnel - I'd rather have Manila customs handle my luggage for all the reasons you stated in your post.

Of course, as PAL stated, it would be easier on the traveler. Good luck on your decision.