FILIPINOS ARE FIGHTING BACK AGAINST GRAFT

A new generation — online, vocal, and unafraid — is growing up allergic to corruption

- BY JAY HILOTIN | Senior Assistant Editor

Forget inflation, crime, or even joblessness — what really keeps Filipinos up at night? Corruption.

According to Publicus Asia’s latest 2025 “Pahayag” survey, 21 per cent of voters put corruption at the top of their list of national headaches.

From 8,000 peso shortcuts to a driver's licence (no road test needed) to secret handshakes for faster hookups from some electric cooperatives, the underground economy is alive and thriving in the bureaucracy.

Need a permit or paper? There’s always someone who “knows a guy.” Kickbacks inflate budgets, and taxpayers end up footing the bill for roads that crumble faster than a soggy siopao.

The Marcos Jr administration is under pressure — again — to walk the talk on accountability. Because in the Philippines, it’s not just red tape — it’s red tape with a price tag.

Tiny rays of hope