Office of Ombudsman cites US study saying Philippines sixth most corrupt nation in world

August 16, 2019

The Office of the Ombudsman, quoting a US study, on Thursday said the Philippines is still the sixth most corrupt country in the world.

“We need to keep reminding ourselves as it was repeatedly shown in all studies how destructive corruption is especially for a developing country like us,” Deputy Ombudsman Cyril Ramos said in an event in Manila.

He said corruption remains as an obstacle to sustaining economic, political and social development.

“Global perception of corruption is highly destructive for our national development,” said Ramos.

Ramos said the country is losing around P1.4 billion in just two years due to corruption which can help build 1.4 million housing units for the poor, provide P100, 000 medical subsidy for at least seven million Filipinos and or a rice buffer stock that can last for more than a year.

“Based on a study of the United States, the estimated corruption in the Philippines is equivalent to more or less 20 percent of its annual government accountable. Our national budget is P3.35 billion in 2017 and P3.76 billion in 2018,” he said.

“Now using this standard, it can be translate to P670 billion and P752 billion loss in just two years,” he added.

He said corruption cannot be eradicated in this lifetime but he hopes the youth will be encouraged to be aware of corruption.

“Once we win the war in corruption… they will never hear this (word) again and will only have clear and justice government system,” said Ramos.

He encouraged all government officials to be men and women of integrity who follow the rule of law.

“It provides social order and growth for democracy to flourish… We need leaders that will uphold the rule of law (and) will serve as a moral compass and righteous of service,” he said.

The Office of the Ombudsman were one of the guests at National Police Commission two-day National Crime Prevention Summit held in Manila Hotel.  Ella Dionisio/DMS