The Tamesis
February 12, 2026
Manila – The Philippines slipped for a third consecutive year in a global ranking that measures the prevalence of corruption, as a flood control corruption scandal uncovered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year remains largely a waiting game for an angry public demanding accountability.
Malacañang assured the public on Wednesday that the government was not wavering on the matter, stressing that investigations were continuing and more public officials would be held accountable in the coming months.
The Philippines dropped six spots to rank 120th out of 182 countries monitored in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report released by watchdog group Transparency International on Tuesday.
The country’s CPI score is 32 out of 100, down slightly from 34 in 2023 (when it ranked 114th out of 180) and 33 in 2024 (when it ranked 115th out of 180).
The country’s 2025 score is also below the global average of 42 points and the Asia-Pacific average of 45 points.
Among other countries in Southeast Asia, the Philippines ranked lower than Singapore (third); Brunei (31st); Malaysia (54th); Timor-Leste (73rd); Vietnam (81st); Laos (109th); Indonesia (109th); and Thailand (116th).
Only Cambodia, ranked 163rd, and civil war-torn Myanmar, ranked 169th, ranked lower than the Philippines.
The highest ranking in the index is Denmark, with a score of 89, and the bottom is Somalia and South Sudan (CPI both 9), tied for 181st.
Weak governance
Transparency International cited numerous anti-corruption protests launched by different sectors last year in response to the flood scandal.
Investigations, largely conducted by Congress, revealed connivance among lawmakers, government officials and private contractors to collect kickbacks from projects worth billions of pesos, many of which were later found to be either rudimentary or only “complete” on paper.
“The frustration of weak governance and limited accountability was palpable across the region in 2025, with a surge in young people taking to the streets to demand government action and accountability. [the] Climate change is affecting the Philippines, where citizens are outraged by accusations that bogus flood relief projects have cost huge amounts of public money. ” the report reads.
“In many countries [the] Good governance in the Asia-Pacific region is being undermined by weak enforcement, irresponsible leadership and opaque political funding, said Ilham Mohammed, Transparency International’s Asia-Pacific adviser.
“As young people demand better, leaders must act now to curb corruption and strengthen democracy. Meaningful reforms can rebuild public trust and show that those in power are finally listening,” she added.
According to Transparency International, the Consumer Price Index is the most widely used global corruption ranking in the world.
The CPI measures various manifestations of public sector corruption. These include bribery, misappropriation of public funds, officials using public office for personal gain without consequences, and excessive red tape that may increase opportunities for corruption.
It also examines nepotistic appointments in the civil service, laws ensuring public officials’ financial disclosure and potential conflicts of interest, legal protections for whistleblowers; “the capture of the state by narrow vested interests” and access to information on public affairs and government activities.
Continue to detect
In response to the report, Malacañang acknowledged the country’s ranking but stressed that President Marcos was only cleaning up the corrupt mess left by the previous administration.
“Once the president reveals [infrastructure corruption scandal]followed by an investigation. That’s exactly what the president wants. When the investigation began, things that had been hidden came to light,” palace press officer Claire Castro said in a briefing.
“That’s why the president is busy cleaning up all the corruption that happened in the past,” she added.
Castro said that by revealing the extent of corruption behind last year’s flood control projects, the president hoped the public would finally “see the changes and realize that corruption in government is being prevented and eliminated,” adding:
“The president has not lost interest in holding anyone accountable. The president is focusing on the economy because it is necessary… If Filipinos are angry about corruption, the president will be angrier.”
Achievement
President Marcos is currently reviewing the report submitted by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) on the findings of the fact-finding investigation into the corruption scandal.
The report covers the 125 days since Mr Marcos created the ad hoc agency last September. Its scope extends back to projects implemented over the past 10 years.
The report will serve as the basis for the president’s decision to continue or disband ICI.
During its five-month operation, the ICI made nine recommendations and brought criminal charges against 65 people, including current and current lawmakers, public works officials and private contractors. It also requires the Justice Department to monitor those trips.
ICI’s investigation also laid the groundwork for the Anti-Money Laundering Council to obtain a court order to freeze more than 6,700 bank accounts and assets worth P24.7 billion. /cb
