MANILA, Philippines — February 17, 2026. Bribery remains the most widely perceived form of corruption in the Philippines, according to the latest nationwide survey conducted by OCTA Research. The findings, released Monday, revealed that nearly three in four adult Filipinos identified bribery as the most common corrupt practice in government.

The survey, part of OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa (TNM) project, was carried out from December 3 to 11, 2025, through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents nationwide. Commissioned by the Office of the Ombudsman, the poll has a margin of error of ±3 percent at the national level.

Results showed that 73 percent of Filipinos cited bribery as the most prevalent form of corruption, followed by irregularities in the use of public funds at 66 percent, vote buying at 64 percent, and slow justice at 54 percent.

OCTA explained that bribery’s visibility in routine government transactions makes it the most recognizable form of corruption. “Many Filipinos may have encountered or seen informal payments in frontline services, making it an immediate concern,” the research group noted.

The survey also highlighted regional differences, with some areas reporting higher incidences of vote buying and misuse of public funds compared to others. Still, bribery consistently ranked first across demographics and regions.

The Office of the Ombudsman said the findings will be used to strengthen anti-corruption initiatives and improve transparency in government services. Advocates stressed that the results underscore the urgent need for reforms in public service delivery, particularly in reducing opportunities for bribery in everyday transactions.

This latest survey reinforces the perception that corruption remains a systemic challenge in the Philippines, with bribery at the forefront of public concern. It also emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts to build integrity and accountability in governance.