Perceived levels of public sector corruption in the Philippines worsened in 2025, according to the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International, coinciding with a scandal over flood control projects. The country ranked 120th out of 182, with a score of 32, its lowest since 2012. Among Southeast Asian neighbors, it scored higher only than Cambodia and Myanmar.
In 2025, the Philippines dropped in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Berlin-based Transparency International, falling from 114th in 2024 to 120th out of 182 countries and territories. The score was 32, one point lower than the previous year and the country's lowest since the scoring system was adopted in 2012. The CPI ranks nations by perceived public sector corruption, with 0 indicating 'highly corrupt' and 100 'very clean'.
The decline coincided with a major scandal over alleged multibillion-peso corruption in government infrastructure projects, including flood control initiatives. Several cases have been filed, with more resolutions expected in coming months.
Malacañang stated that the lower score was anticipated due to President Marcos' exposure of anomalies in flood control projects. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro explained that perceptions worsened as the administration cleans 'the dirt' from past governments—'all of them.' She added that the president remains committed to accountability: 'The President never loses interest in holding accountable whoever should be held accountable.'
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) launched Integrity Chain, a blockchain-based project to boost transparency. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said, 'This is a major step in ensuring that what we’ve seen in the past doesn’t happen again.'
Globally, the average score fell to 42, the first decline in over a decade. 122 out of 182 countries scored below 50. Denmark led with 89, while South Sudan and Somalia tied for the bottom at 9.
