Keep your stuff in sight at all times. Seal your bags with plastic and/or lock all zippers before dropping your bag off into the x-ray machine. The politicians are getting involved and investigating.

I'll be headed there in December and will be very vigilant.

The Filipino OFWs and balikbayans (ex-pats) are very strong and can put enough pressure inside the Philippines to enact change.

Growing up in the 80s, I remember my mother and godmother putting USD10 bills into their passports before giving it to customs. Customs would then do a quick, pretend inspection. Customs have gotten better since the 1990s.

The USA system sucks but with typical American pride, it sucks less than in other countries.