Hawaii8o8

No Me or spouse didn’t get a ds 5535 form. 
I didn’t even get a letter saying my case got transferred to Vermont either. I only found out when I called uscis 

You may want to tell him that there is a ban on that visa class currently, so no expedite will happen until after the ban expires.

Ah, true. I did remember looking that up. If the "friend" is sending money to a parent, Manila could see that as a burden. It really boils down to each consulate. I've seen members on here get approved for spousal visas early because a birthday was coming up. Parent visas may have a different priority, but there is no harm in requesting an expedite. It will not hurt you in any way.