Philippines Corruption Perceptions Index Shows Little Improvement
For over a decade, the Philippines corruption perceptions index has consistently placed the country near the lower end of the global ranking. This index, compiled by Transparency International, measures how business leaders and experts view corruption within the public sector. Scores range from zero, indicating a highly corrupt environment, to 100, representing a very clean system.
Data analysts and experts have observed that the Philippines corruption perceptions index scores have fluctuated only slightly over the years. Dr. Rogelio Alicor Panao, a data scientist and associate professor at the University of the Philippines, highlighted the country’s broader trend. From 2012 to 2024, the Philippines’ scores hovered between 33 and 38, reflecting a persistent struggle against corruption.
Consistent Low Rankings in Global Corruption Index
In the latest 2024 report, the Philippines ranked 114th out of 180 countries, scoring 33 points. This represents a slight decline from the 34 points recorded in 2023. The highest score within this period was in 2014, when the country reached 38 points. Meanwhile, the lowest scores were recorded in 2021 and 2022, underscoring ongoing challenges.
Compared to regional neighbors known for high integrity, such as Singapore with 83 points and New Zealand with 85, the Philippines remains in the lower-middle range. This places it closer to countries facing similar government challenges, local leaders noted.
Regional Context and Neighboring Countries’ Scores
The Philippines corruption perceptions index also places it alongside several Asia-Pacific countries with low scores in 2023-2024. Among these are North Korea (17), Myanmar (20), Afghanistan (20), Cambodia (22), Bangladesh (24), Laos (28), Pakistan and Papua New Guinea (29), Mongolia (33), Sri Lanka and Indonesia (34), Nepal and Thailand (35), and India and Maldives (39), officials reported.
Public Demand and Accountability Remain Crucial
Dr. Panao posed a critical question: “If the numbers have not moved for more than a decade, perhaps the harder question is whether we, as citizens, have moved enough to demand better.” This reflection points to the importance of public vigilance and accountability in addressing corruption.
Recent Scandal Highlights Corruption Concerns
The Philippines corruption perceptions index is further under scrutiny following revelations about questionable flood control projects. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed that out of a P545-billion budget allocated for flood mitigation from July 2022 to May 2025, only P100 billion has been awarded to 15 contractors out of 2,409 accredited firms. The president described the findings as a “disturbing assessment,” though he refrained from accusing the contractors directly.
Additionally, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently suspended Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo. He faces allegations of attempting to bribe Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste with over P3 million to halt investigations into irregularities in local infrastructure projects. This led to Calalo’s arrest after a police entrapment operation on August 22. Authorities confirmed that Calalo would face charges under the Revised Penal Code and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, community members said.
Moving Forward: The Need for Collective Action
The persistent low rankings in the Philippines corruption perceptions index highlight the ongoing challenges in governance and integrity. Experts emphasize the need for stronger citizen engagement and institutional reforms to improve transparency and accountability.
For more news and updates on the Philippines corruption perceptions index, visit Filipinokami.com.
