Corruption in the Philippines: a historical legacy

Corruption, simply put, is when someone in power uses their position for personal gain --through bribes, favors, or abuses of authority.

- Todd Sales Lucero

This is the face of corruption in the Philippines. People know the who the culprits are --what the public calls the “crocodiles” and “kawatans” of government--but proving guilt in a civilized society is another matter. Recently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named the top 15 contractors cornering billions in flood control projects. The Senate has also opened an investigation, though whether it leads to convictions or becomes just another footnote in the fight against corruption remains to be seen.

History shows that corruption in the Philippines has deep roots; from the pre-conquest barangays to Spanish and American rule, it has been both a symptom of weak institutions and a barrier to nation-building. Before colonization, local leaders settled disputes, collected tribute, and defended their people, but their judgments were often arbitrary. Jose Endriga, a UP professor, noted that this overlap of authority and personal power opened the door to abuse.