Democracy Watch Philippines warned the country is at a critical point as new Social Weather Stations (SWS) data revealed deep public anger over corruption and the government’s perceived failure to curb it.
“The SWS surveys reveal what many already know: The people are disgusted with corruption and their leaders’ hypocrisy. They are losing confidence in institutions that fail to deliver justice,” said Prof. Victor Andres Manhit, president of Stratbase Institute and lead convenor of Democracy Watch Philippines.
The “SWS Surveys on Corruption” showed 83 percent of Filipinos believe corruption is most widespread at the national level, and 73 percent identify senior government officials as among the most corrupt.
Two-thirds (66 percent) said the government’s anti-corruption efforts are “hardly effective,” while 77 percent of respondents in Mega Manila and 80 percent in NCR believed corruption has worsened compared to three years ago.
“The people are angry, and rightly so. Corruption robs us not just of public funds, but of the essential services and opportunities we deserve as citizens,” Manhit said.
Manhit said corruption is not merely a political issue but an economic one, citing how unethical leadership and weak institutions discourage investment and weaken competitiveness.
“To think that a country’s economic journey is far removed from good governance is simply wrong. The two are inseparable; no economy can thrive where corruption thrives,” he said.
“Inclusive governance and economic progress go hand in hand. Corruption worsens inflation, weakens public services, and pushes the poor deeper into poverty.”
The SWS surveys also highlighted the public’s strong desire for transparency and accountability, with 74 percent favoring tougher penalties for corrupt officials, 71 percent supporting the filing of cases, and 63 percent calling for full public access to officials’ Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs).
“Transparency, accountability, and public trust are essential to long-term growth and stability. Filipinos are no longer content with promises. They want justice and reform, and they want leaders who are ethical and accountable,” Manhit said.
