A Pulse Asia survey shows a decline in the percentage of Filipinos who believe government officials involved in flood control project irregularities will be punished, dropping from 71 percent to 59 percent.
The latest Pulse Asia survey, conducted from December 12 to 15, reveals waning public confidence in the accountability of officials linked to irregularities in flood control projects. While still a majority, belief that these culprits will face punishment fell 12 points to 59 percent from 71 percent in September. This includes 22 percent who think officials will definitely be punished, down from 40 percent, and 37 percent who say it is likely, up slightly from 31 percent. Skepticism grew, with 13 percent now believing no punishment will occur, up from 8 percent, and 28 percent unable to say, up from 21 percent.
Confidence in the Philippine justice system to prosecute high-level corruption cases stands at 44 percent, with 24 percent lacking confidence and 33 percent undecided. When asked about factors influencing court decisions in these cases, 51 percent pointed to officials using influence to evade conviction, followed by 25 percent citing evidence quality, 16 percent trial length, and 8 percent judicial fairness.
On trust in institutions to tackle flood control corruption, media topped the list at 54 percent big trust, up from 51 percent. Civil society organizations followed at 47 percent, down from 50 percent. Trust in President Marcos dropped to 30 percent from 32 percent, with 48 percent expressing little trust, up from 45 percent. The Ombudsman saw a steeper decline to 28 percent from 39 percent, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to 18 percent from 39 percent. Senate trust held at 37 percent, House rose to 31 percent from 25 percent, and DPWH improved to 13 percent from 7 percent, though 59 percent still have little or no trust.
The survey involved 1,200 respondents with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percent. Malacañang remains optimistic, with Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stating, “This is a positive development because they know that those who should be held accountable could be jailed.” She added that the President has the courage to act rightly.
Separately, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed reports of potential recantations by former DPWH engineers in Bulacan as “noise,” per Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano. He emphasized reliance on sworn statements and noted risks to witness protection. The Department of Justice also denied any recantation by dismissed DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara.
