Oh dear, probably true, while I enjoyed driving there it was never easy.... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-34424367 Not so sure subways are a great idea given the geology of the city.
I certainly agree with the chap in the article stating that a mega subway would go a long way to reducing the traffic problem in Manila. A well managed metro system too would help, like the ones we see in Manchester and Sheffield. But at the end of the day these major construction projects cost a lot of Pesos, does Manila have that kind of money?
Metro Manila is sinking, it is prone to huge flooding, the area is hugely seismically active, boring subway tunnels in that environment is going to be very expensive the first time any major event occurs. Above ground metro rail systems are a far better idea even if it means clearing existing properties (compulsory purchase) and expanding the suburbs to compensate.
Believe it or not, one of the worst cities I've driven in was Leicester. They have (Or had, it was a few years back, haven't been back since) a hideous one way system which must have been designed by someone who hated cars
