Urban decay threatens hot Philippine economy

MANILA, Oct 12 (AFP):  Manila's creaking train network means a miserable three-hour work commute for salesman Gerard Galang -- just one example of major infrastructure woes that analysts say threaten to cool the Philippines' red-hot economy.

Peak-hour hell comes in many forms in the city of 12 million people, with commuters experiencing a sweaty, stinky crush on dilapidated trains and giant queues to buy tickets.

"I pity myself and my fellow commuters but I don't have any other option than the train," said Galang, 29, who inhales antiseptic rubbed on to his hands to help negate the stench on the train.