2025 Philippines’ Corruption Index: A Steep Decline Under Marcos Jr.
In the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2025, the Philippines saw a troubling drop, ranking 120th out of 182 countries, down six places from the previous year. The country received a score of 32 out of 100, signaling a concerning level of corruption that has been exacerbated by ongoing scandals. This decline paints a stark contrast to the more optimistic outlook that some had hoped for under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (BBM), whose administration had promised to tackle corruption head-on. However, the reality has been far from this ideal.
Duterte’s Time: Corruption Perception in the Past
Under President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines’ corruption index had been far from perfect, but the situation was not as dire. Duterte’s presidency from 2016 to 2022 was marred by controversy and a strong authoritarian approach, particularly with his war on drugs. Yet, despite widespread criticisms regarding human rights and governance, the country’s corruption perception score remained relatively stable. In 2016, Duterte’s first year in office, the Philippines was ranked 101st with a score of 35. Over the next few years, his government worked on improving bureaucratic processes, and the score fluctuated between 34 and 36, reflecting some government efforts to address the issue.
Despite these efforts, Duterte’s own legacy became tainted due to the drug war’s excessive use of resources and the controversial handling of government contracts. Nevertheless, his government remained relatively popular, particularly among his political base, and his populist stance allowed him to maintain political strength.
A Worsening Situation
However, the 2025 CPI under BBM marks a troubling downward shift. The Philippines’ score of 32 is the lowest it has been since 2012 and highlights the ongoing struggles of Marcos Jr. to manage corruption within the public sector. Investigations into government-funded infrastructure projects like flood control schemes have uncovered billions of pesos lost to ghost projects and substandard works. This has caused mass protests and calls for greater transparency in government dealings. The investigations have made corruption a central issue for the country, overshadowing many of the government’s reform promises.
Interestingly, BBM’s government has been quick to blame the corruption issues on the previous administration, particularly Duterte, whose lack of accountability is often cited as the reason behind the escalating scandals. However, some analysts argue that Marcos Jr. is using the Duterte ICC trials as a convenient way to deflect attention from his own government’s failure to curb corruption. The ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into Duterte’s drug war seems to have provided a timely political opportunity to keep the focus on his predecessor’s alleged wrongdoing rather than on the growing corruption under Marcos Jr.
Duterte’s ICC Trial: A Convenient Distraction?
The ICC trial of Duterte has been a significant point of contention, both domestically and internationally. Duterte’s defense has always been that his policies were aimed at protecting the Filipino people from drug-related violence, but accusations of extrajudicial killings and crimes against humanity have led to mounting pressure from global human rights groups. As the trial progresses, it could further isolate the Philippines from the international community, especially with Marcos Jr.’s ambiguous stance on whether the country should rejoin the ICC.
One of the more politically charged dimensions of the situation is the growing influence of Sara Duterte, the Vice President and daughter of the former president. Sara Duterte has made it clear that she plans to run for president in 2028, fueling speculation that her political ambitions are partly driving her father’s decision to embrace the ICC trial. By continuing to highlight the corruption surrounding Duterte’s policies and actions, Marcos Jr. may be trying to keep Sara in check, ensuring that she doesn’t outshine his presidency. This may explain why the focus on Duterte’s trial is heightening even as corruption in Marcos’ government continues to deteriorate.
Sara Duterte: A Political Threat to Marcos Jr.?
The ICC trial and Sara Duterte’s 2028 presidential run are undoubtedly entwined in the current political landscape. In a country where corruption remains an enduring issue, Marcos Jr. must address both the ICC trial and the corruption scandals that have plagued his administration. However, until there is a more substantial commitment to genuine reforms, the Philippines will likely continue to see its corruption rankings deteriorate.
As the nation gears up for future elections, it will be interesting to see how the government navigates these deeply rooted corruption problems while trying to rebuild investor confidence and avoid further political fragmentation.
