MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 10, 2026 — The Philippines has slipped further in the global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), ranking 120th out of 182 countries in the latest report released by Transparency International. The country scored 32 out of 100, down from 33 in the previous year, marking its worst performance since the index adopted the 0–100 scale in 2012.

The CPI measures perceived levels of public sector corruption, with 0 indicating “highly corrupt” and 100 representing “very clean.” The Philippines’ score is below both the global average of 42 and the regional average of 45, underscoring persistent governance challenges. 

Transparency International noted that corruption scandals, particularly involving flood control projects, have eroded public trust and weighed on investor confidence.

The report highlighted that the Philippines’ decline reflects systemic issues in accountability and transparency. “In climate-change impacted Philippines, citizens were outraged by allegations that a substantial amount of public funds were lost to a fake flood relief project,” Transparency International said, pointing to the scandal as a major factor in the country’s poor showing.

Regional comparisons show that neighboring countries such as Singapore (84), Japan (71), and Taiwan (67) continue to perform significantly better, while the Philippines remains among the lowest-ranked in Southeast Asia.

The CPI ranking has sparked renewed calls from civil society groups and business leaders for stronger anti-corruption measures, including stricter enforcement of procurement laws, greater transparency in government spending, and protection for whistleblowers. 

Analysts warn that unless reforms are implemented, the country risks further economic setbacks and diminished global competitiveness. 

Corruption Rankings Don’t Fall by Accident

A declining corruption score is not just an international embarrassment. It is a measurable signal that accountability systems are failing to keep pace with the scale of public spending and the creativity of those who exploit it.

What makes the CPI drop alarming is its consistency. Year after year, scandals emerge in predictable areas like procurement and infrastructure, yet consequences remain uneven. When fraud becomes routine and enforcement feels selective, corruption stops being an exception and starts looking like an operating cost of governance.

The index measures perception, but perception forms from patterns people repeatedly see. If trust keeps eroding despite repeated promises of reform, what does that say about who truly benefits from the system staying broken?