97% of Pinoys believe corruption widespread – Pulse

MANILA, Philippines — In the Philippines, almost everyone believes that there is widespread corruption in the government.

This is among the findings of the latest Pulse Asia survey on corruption, which was conducted amid the ongoing investigation into anomalies involving flood control and other infrastructure projects.

The survey, conducted from Sept. 27 to 30, found that 97 percent of the respondents believe that corruption is prevalent in the Philippine government (78 percent “very widespread,” 20 percent “somewhat widespread,” correctly rounded).

Less than one percent said corruption is not widespread, while two percent said they cannot say if it was widespread or not.

Based on the survey, 85 percent said corruption in the government increased in the past 12 months, while 12 percent said it stayed the same. Only three percent said it decreased.

More than half or 59 percent agreed that corruption is a normal part of politics in the Philippines, while 30 percent disagreed. Eleven percent said they cannot say if they agree or disagree with the statement.

Asked which actions they consider as corrupt, whether in the public or private sector, a majority selected accepting or giving bribes (75 percent), misuse of public funds or company resources (67 percent) and offering or receiving kickbacks (64 percent).

Other “corrupt” practices included insider trading or financial fraud (49 percent), evading taxes or regulatory requirements (41 percent), nepotism or favoritism in hiring or promotions (38 percent) and non-disclosure of conflicts of interest (27 percent).

Specific to the alleged anomalies on flood control projects, nine in 10 believed that there was collusion among executive officials, legislators and private contractors in the misuse of public funds.

Sixty-one percent said they “strongly agree” with the statement, while 29 percent said they “somewhat agree.”

Only four percent said they do not believe that there was collusion, while six percent said they cannot agree or disagree.