Public transportation in Metro Manila

It's a hassle, even if you can afford a cab, it's dirty, and even if its air-conditioned, you'll find yourself gasping for air. I'm asthmatic and its my biggest problem in Manila. Now 90 percent of cabs are running on LPG, about 500 pesos more profitable per day according to some drivers, although some commuters tell me that there are leaking fumes or the smell of it, emanating from the trunk. Thank God,I have not experienced that yet... albeit a prelude to the gas chamber.
Take the bus and you take the risk of snatchers, you'll be afraid to even use your cellphone. However, its still the cheapest and most comfortable way to go sometimes. Jeepneys expose me to too much fumes. When riding them, stay away from the driver because you'll end up as the conductor, "bayad po"(here's my fare), and if there's change, "sukli po", (here's your change".
When you get off the bus, assuming they even make a complete stop, you have to be a triathlon athlete to go up the high and steep stairways just to cross the street, or transfer to take the MRT.
Don't worry about the carbon monoxide, its abundant and free for all of us to inhale, like it or not.