I suppose no thread about MNL would be complete without mention the ol' bullet scam whereby the fine boys at the security checkpoint plant a round of live ammunition it travelers luggage, then "discover" it, and use the threat of being criminally charged with illegally smuggling ammunition thru the checkpoint to extort money from the traveler.
There have been NUMEROUS accounts of that sort in the local press for a while. But more recently it has involved some foreigners and it has kind of gotten ridiculous to the point it is getting international media attention.

Truly a lovely airport.

http://time.com/4093899/airport-bull...m-philippines/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34671118