I suppose it depends whereabouts in the Philippines you go.
I have been to Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Puerto Galera, Guimaras and Boracay in the early 2000's.
Admittedly, mainly for diving so we were not doing much nightlife, and some of these places were very quiet apart from Boracay. Never experienced or saw any trouble anywhere.
Flew from BKK into Cebu then, though not sure if still possible.
I would avoid Manila like the plague. Too much crime, too many bad stories.