Driving in the Philippines is difficult because of the fact that traffic rules and signs are merely suggestions than rules. Almost nobody is following them. This also goes for motorcycles. I wrote something on driving in manila already before, check it HERE.
I have never seen so many motorcycles in the Philippines than these last few years. Maybe it is because Filipinos get wealthier and are able to buy these things (even on installment base). In almost every street you see the dealer shops sprouting, offering low (installment) prizes to attract people to buy one. It seems that the Philippines has become the # 1 country in the world when it comes to the number of active motorcycles on the road. Some years ago, tricycles were all pedicabs (bicycles), nowadays they are motorcycle driven. Pedicabs are practicaly not seen anymore.
Fact is that motorcycles are everywhere and a lot of them. On the road they are passing cars with high speed, swerving from right to left and back. In traffic jams they pass between cars, and often make scratches on the cars. A not experienced driver will get crazy and will make accidents easily with them and a car driver will be blamed for reckless driving. 
On the news you can see that several accidents are happening often with fatal results. Motorcycle drivers often do not wear helmets or they wear them a wrong way. You can also see motorcycles with whole families on it, including babies. And a lot of times no one wearing a helmet.
Wearing a helmet is obligatory when driving a motorcycle. But the rules are not implemented in many cities. But only on few places police is checking and controlling it.
I have seen them using cellphones, texting (composing text messages), holding umbrellas in the rain and drinking while driving a vehicle with only 2 wheels, I think that those people are suicidal.
See more motorcycle pictures in the slide show.
Filipino time:
They also often blast right through red lights. I’ve almost been hit a few times in Manila after we get the walk signal and one comes through at top speed.
I’ve considered buying a walking stick and clotheslining a couple of them.
Tom,
Turning right in the Philippines, even if the lights are red, is allowed on most places. The difference here is that they think they do not have to give way to those who have green.
They were not turning right they were going straight through. Right along the curb at about 30 kph. Motor drivers seem to think none of the rules apply to them. Even as suggestions.
If there’s no police man telling them that they are wrong . . . . Who committed the violation ?
This is THE PHILIPPINES !! and I love it ….
Hi Jan, great article. I strongly agree with you. Many people described me as stupid. But I never drive in the Philippines myself. I am glad to have my two brothers-in-law… . Sorry, it’s the Philippines – and I love it here… .
Hi Klaus,
It is just a matter of adjusting. I am behaving like a Filipino already (when on the road).
In a way one has to !!
I have been out of the country for about 20 years now. I will be going back home to Manila next month. I hope to rent a car at Ninoy Aquino Airport and drive around. But now I think, I’ll be taking taxis instead.
Hi Charlie,
Unless you are going strait to the province, I wouldn’t advice to drive in the Philippines. In the Province it is not as hectic, but in Manila it has changed a lot in the last 20 years. If you are planning to spend most of the time in Manila, better use taxi’s, but have the meter running all the time…. There’s a law effective that taxi drivers are obligated to use their meters.