UP Ibalon Bicol: Transparency International

Showing posts with label Transparency International. Show all posts

RP’s improvement in corruption index doesn't mean much?

11/19/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

This year’s report by the Transparency International on corruption perception has placed the Philippines in a better position. From last year’s 141st ranking in a field of 180 sovereign states, the country placed 139th, an improved corruption index for 2009. RP's rank is shared by Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Belarus.

Trailing in the bottom end of the list are nations with the strongest corruption perception--- Iraq, Myanmar, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Somalia. These are countries which have worrisome peace and order problems.

It is unlikely that the improved rank of the Philippines opens a significant dent against its culture of corruption. However, the perception that graft abates in the islands is a bright spot---a source of consolation. It points to an opportunity for for advancement. Sadly, by indications, corruption still threatens RP's progress and stability.

High in the list of less corrupt countries are New Zealand, Denmark, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, and Finland.

The United States slid down from 18th to 19th place raising concerns of growing dishonesty especially in the business sector. It is unsure if what Pres. Barack Obama plans will effectively combat corruption.

The healthcare reform bill Obama supports has avoided the issue of fraud in medical services and reimbursements. The economic difficulties in the US have spawned the rise in corporate crimes which erodes trust and stifles development. (Photo Credit: Donnali) =0=

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Labels: 2009, Corruption, Corruption in Government, Philippines, progress, ranking, Totie Mesia, Transparency, Transparency International

Philippines’ Corruption Index in 2008 Worsens

9/25/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | 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)