Story perspectives

Philippines' Corruption Ranking Plummets Amid Protests, Scandal

2/21/2026

Center

Philippines' Corruption Decline

The Philippines ranked 120th out of 182 countries in Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, down six places from 2024.
The country scored 32, the lowest since 2012, reflecting higher perceived public-sector corruption.
Investigations into a multibillion-peso flood-control program uncovered significant losses from substandard projects, fueling anti-corruption protests and concerns about investor confidence.
The index assesses public-sector corruption risks, including bribery and misused funds, based on data collected until late 2025.

Right

Philippines' Protests Surge

Widespread protests erupted over corruption, targeting alleged ghost flood control projects.
Foreign direct investment fell 25% year-on-year, and tourism declined amid China-Philippines tensions.
A Chinese naval vessel rescued Filipino fishermen, a move used by anti-China groups to inflame sentiment.
Akbayan Citizens' Action Party exploited the tensions to gain politically.
Defense spending more than doubles from 224.4 to 430.9 billion pesos between 2022 and 2026.

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Philippines' Corruption Decline

The Philippines ranked 120th out of 182 countries in Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, down six places from 2024.
The country scored 32, the lowest since 2012, reflecting higher perceived public-sector corruption.
Investigations into a multibillion-peso flood-control program uncovered significant losses from substandard projects, fueling anti-corruption protests and concerns about investor confidence.
The index assesses public-sector corruption risks, including bribery and misused funds, based on data collected until late 2025.

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