Corruption seen to have worsened in the Philippines

CORRUPTION apparently has lessened among select Philippine institutions but overall worsened in the country over the last three years, results of a global survey conducted by watchdog Transparency International (TI) showed yesterday.

The “Global Corruption Barometer 2010” poll, which was conducted between June 1 and Sept. 30 this year, among others detailed perception of corruption in six groups — out of a total 11 analyzed — that had comparable 2009 data.

On a scale of one to five with one indicating “not at all corrupt” and five equivalent to “extremely corrupt,” the following saw better scores this year:

* political parties, 3.6 from 4.0;
* legislature, 3.5 from 3.9;
* business, 2.9 from 3.0;
* public officials, 3.5 from 4.0; and
* the judiciary, 3.1 from 3.4.

Media’s score stayed unchanged at 2.0.

For the 2010 report five other institutions were added, with Filipinos rating corruption in the police at 3.6, nongovernmental organizations at 2.4, religious bodies at 1.9, military at 2.9 and the education system at 2.7.

Based on their scores, police and political parties are viewed as the most corrupt, with religious bodies enjoying the most favorable perception.

The year-on-year improvement in some institutions, however, did not reflect on how Filipinos saw corruption over the past three years. Sixty-nine percent reported an increase in corruption over the past three years, higher than the global average of 56% and the Asia-Pacific region’s 47%.

The finding was in line with global results. Transparency International said almost six out of 10 respondents worldwide declared that corruption had worsened in their countries.

Just 6% of Filipinos said corruption had decreased while 25% said it stayed the same.

Government officials were not available for comment.

Huguette Labelle, TI chairman, said: “The fallout of the financial crises continues to affect people’s opinions of corruption … Institutions everywhere must be resolute in their efforts to restore good governance and trust.”

“The message from the 2010 Barometer is that corruption is insidious. It makes people lose faith. The good news is that people are ready to act,” Ms. Labelle said. –Businessworld