UP Ibalon Bicol: Philippines’ Corruption Index in 2008 Worsens

Philippines’ Corruption Index in 2008 Worsens

9/25/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

The 2008 Transparency International report on corruption is out. In a field of 180 countries, Philippines slipped to 141st place from last year's 131st. RP's 2.3 score out of 10, ties the country with Cameroon, Iran and Yemen, among the bottom countries with marked corruption.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Teodoro Bacani in a reaction to the 10-point drop said, ““We as a people have not learned our lesson. “Corruption is an addiction: like an addict, corrupt people do not care about other people's negative perceptions of them and continue doing their unscrupulous deeds.” Inquirer (09/24/08, Oritiz, M)

The worst rating Philippines received since the corruption index was started in 1995, the further decline is consistent to the failure of the government to resolve numerous corruption cases which include those that link President Gloria M. Arroyo. Among neighboring countries with poorer ratings than RP are Timor-Leste, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Indonesia has improved to 126th place at a level with Honduras, Ethiopia, Uganda, Guyana, Libya, Eritrea and Mozambique. Nepal tied for 121st place with Vietnam, Togo, Nigeria, and Sao Tome and Principe. Philstar Editorial (09/24/08) Philstar Editorial (09/24/08)