The Lacson-Sotto administration believes improving the country’s global ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) will attract more investors to do business in the country and generate more jobs.
Citing 2021 CPI figures, Partido Reporma standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the Philippines ranked 117 out of 180 countries all over the world, creating the perception that it has one of the most corrupt and hostile governments.
The Philippines was dead last when the list was narrowed down to nations that belong to the Southeast Asian region. If the next administration would allow this downward trend to continue, Lacson said the country might lose out on potential foreign direct investments, resulting in less business development projects and less jobs generated for Filipinos.
“Isn’t it shameful for us Filipinos that our nation ranked 117 out of the 180 countries that were listed for comparison? Now, what is the consequence of this? Other countries might look for other places to invest and build their businesses in,” he said.
“What is the implication if foreign investors choose not to do business here? We would have no jobs. Because where there is investment, there is job generation. That’s why it is very important for us to fix the government so we can improve the lives of every Filipino, your lives,” Lacson added. He emphasized that fighting corruption has been his advocacy for the longest time because it is one of the root causes of poverty in the country.
“If we study the problems of our country, we would always go back to the issue of corruption. That’s why our primary objective is to fight corruption, go against the burglars, the thieves in government,” he said.