The rollout of the new BRP rules don't affect applicants from the Philippines until 31 May. Here is the international rollout schedule for biometric resident permits for overseas applicants for visas of longer than 6 months. Once your country goes live you will receive a temporary vignette in your passport which gives you 30 days from the visa issue date to travel to the UK and you have 10 days after arrival to collect your BRP from a designated post office. https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...chedule_v2.pdf Information on BRP for overseas applicants: https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...RP_leaflet.pdf
I think they are trying to tie in with the new NHS surcharge, the BRP is a good way to prove you are entitled to work and also to receive medical treatment. My wife had to show her BRP at a recent NHS interview as proof she was entitled to treatment. Below is a link where you can find your nearest Post Office which offers the BRP service, note that you need a HO reference number to get one at the Post Office, I'm sure that information will be given in future visa applications. Yet more money to fork out http://www.postoffice.co.uk/foreign-nationals-enrolment-biometric-residence-permit
