Philip was still in east in 1227, when Pope Gregory IX granted him a canonry at Tripoli for his services to his late uncle. Philip may have already been an Augustinian, and was almost certainly a priest. He is described as having survived the perils of sea travel and the loss of property in the line of duty while serving Rainier. He may have travelled frequently by ship between Antioch and Tripoli. In 1230, Philip was back in Rome. His uncle's successor, Albert of Rizzato, requested his return to Antioch, but the pope gave him a dispensation to hold his benefices in absentia. He is also described at this time as the prior of Todi. The competition for Philip's services may have owed something to his knowledge of Arabic, a useful diplomatic skill.
