Emissions testing in the Philippines is a joke. As long as your engine runs properly (clean spark plugs, carb or fuel injectors working all right, does not burn oil), you should be able to pass emissions.

As for what's the best set-up... what car is it? Not all 1.4s are the same.

If you can afford stainless, get it. Anything less just looks like crud, and won't do your car's resale value any favors. Actually... any mod will negatively affect a car's resale, but if it looks good, the buyer may overlook it.