I have been to Malaysia 2 times; both of which were in Kuala Lumpur. I have been to the Philippines plenty of times, far more than Malaysia. In the Philippines I have visited not just Manila, Makati City, Quezon, but have traversed through Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, in Mindanao I have been to Davao, Dipolog, Zamboanga. I can tell you that, to me that is, despite the political changes needed in the Philippines, i find the society in the Philippines to be much more liberated, and less racial tension as compared to Malaysia. And I can tell you that the Philippines of say 2001 (the first time i visited Philippines) has changed compared to the Philippines of say 2015. It is no longer backwards or "sick man of Asia" as it was in the 1990s. Remember, friend, Philippines has an economy that is larger than Vietnam + Cambodia + Laos combined. Their economy is growing at 7% per annum, and the country is transforming year after year for the better.
Clearly their government is doing something right. Is their government perfect? No, it is not, however, they are making changes and seeing the returns in the Leaps and bounds.
Seems to me that you need to enlighten (+ increase) your understanding of the Philippines.