I know literally hundereds of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who regularly return to MNL, who do not pay anything of the sort. And a foreigner would be foolish to do so, risking prosecution for attempted bribery.

That is not to say that petty bribery has been eliminated from its pervasive influence in the lethargic and poorly paid bureaucracy, from passport applications to drivers licenses. Those coming from less than transparent countries in the Middle East might be more prone to make such payments.

Or, given the high duties on many items, perhaps they don't know the law on what or who (OFWs?) is exempt, or are trying to avoid those payments.

But when my [Filipina] wife's luggage was inspected more thoroughly than normal, and she responded, "I know why you are doing this," the customs inspector got very embarrassed. There are regularly stories in the Philippine press of corrupt lower officials getting caught, so there is heightened awareness of the issue, and no one should assume they have to pay a bribe.