I quite enjoy driving here because of the complete lack of police presence and not having to worry about getting tickets. Some of the driving habits from locals is quite annoying but I'm sure plenty of people would say the same thing about my aggressive driving habits as well. I would have ended that by saying, "take public transportation".
It seems this is not possible for many, bother or not. Your foreign license is good for 90 days from arrival (see #2 Request Rejected)* Then to convert to a Philippines license you have to be in the Philippines over 1 month AND have a year or more left on your Visa which means on arrival you need a 13+ month Visa (see page #3, paragraph B.4 Request Rejected)* *the links DO work
if you can get one you can ride one.. your license probably wont do you any good if you need it.. but that doesnt stop anyone.. well it does.. it stops them right before the license/helmet checks spots.. so watch for people gathered onside the road.. stop and say hello to them... see how long before the road check is over..