Lying is considered acceptable within the Philippines culture.
Nine years ago I was entitled to a refund for a Philippines Airlines fully flexible booking that I cancelled, in the end I gave up trying, they were just fobbing me off with excuse after excuse after excuse.
Meanwhile for some four of five years Cebu Air (Cebu Pacific) have owed me a few refunds, for the time being I have given up on those also.
If booking with an airline of the Philippines take out some travel insurance before you book!