NCJ Number
191513
Date Published
December 2000
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This paper begins by examining the context of graft and corruption among public officials in the Philippines and then considers anti-corruption policies and programs, including the ombudsman's strategy against graft and corruption.
Abstract
The most notable case of massive government corruption in the Philippines came under the 20-year presidency of Ferdinand Marcos. Under President Corazon Aquino, Marcos' successor, even she declared that "Corruption has returned, if not on the same scale, at least with equal shamelessness." Public surveys indicate that the general public views government corruption as a major problem for the Philippines. The Philippines has a comprehensive set of laws that may have identified all the possible instances of graft and corruption that can be devised. The anti-corruption agencies have been given ample powers to identify and punish offenders. Special agencies devoted to rooting out government corruption have emphasized both prevention and punishment. Still, corruption persists. No new laws are required, but current law should be re-examined to remove duplication and ensure that what remains is enforceable by the anti-corruption agencies. Other recommended measures are improvement in the qualifications and training of the leaders in the anti-corruption campaign, more resources for enhancing accountability, better public administration, encouragement of public-sector unions, the reform of politicians and business people, transparency and accountability, moral reform, and public support for efforts and officials committed to eliminating corruption. This paper includes a profile of the programs of the Office of the Ombudsman, which is mandated to protect the public from the abuse or misuse of power by government, its agencies, or functionaries. 2 figures and 10 tables with data on corruption cases