Can I apply for a Chinese visa in the Philippines if I am a Canadian citizen?

I have say that it is difficult to apply in a third country now. But if you only catch your flight back to Canada from Beijing, I think you can take advantage of 72 hour free transit. That is to say, if you fly from the Philippines to Beijing and showing your ticket leaving from Beijing within 72 hours, you can get a free transit permit, no visa is required then.