Not anymore, most schools in the Phils come to about 38k now...my academy here in Dumaguete City (
Aviation Training One International- formerly of Philippine Pilot Training Center) come to approx 46k for 180 hrs SE & 20 ME - CPL/IR.
Regarding the semester issue, some flight schools just takes up to abt 8-10 months for training. But I'd rather put it around 1 year to complete.