Corruption as a moral and economic bane

A study by S&P Global forecasts that the Philippines will be a trillion-dollar economy by 2033. The ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook 2025 released in October is equally optimistic, projecting 5.6% growth this year and 5.5% next year. Strong domestic consumption and a stable labor market remain the main drivers.

- VICTOR ANDRES C. MANHIT

But are these developments felt by the ordinary Filipino? Do communities share the optimism behind these reports?

Unfortunately not.

At the micro level, Filipinos feel that their lives have not improved. Hunger persists, many still rate themselves poor, and they continue to demand higher wages, stable jobs, and real opportunities. Their most urgent concerns remain economic.

Public frustration intensified in recent months as the flood control scandal dominated the national conversation. Congressional hearings exposed how corruption runs through various levels of government. In the September 2025 Pulse Asia survey, fighting graft surged and is now a close second to concerns about the economy.

Some 97% of Filipinos believe corruption is widespread, while 85% say it worsened over the past three months. Nearly nine in 10 think there is collusion among executive officials, legislators, and contractors in flood control projects.

A Social Weather Stations survey conducted the following month mirrors these sentiments. Eighty three percent say corruption is most rampant at the national level, while 73% in Mega Manila perceive it among high-ranking officials, including cabinet members. Majorities in Metro Manila believe corruption has grown more widespread, and 60% say the government's anti-corruption efforts are ineffective.