Survey: 97% of Filipinos believe corruption is widespread in gov't
A recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia revealed that a whopping 97% of Filipinos believe that corruption in the government is widespread.
The study was conducted from Sept. 27 to 30, as hearings at the Senate and House of Representatives reveal that billions have been lost to alleged corruption in anomalous flood control projects. It also comes amid the Congress's investigations into budget insertions in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
Pulse Asia said that the view that corruption is widespread in the government is "essentially universal" across Filipinos in different locations and economic classes. It noted that the prevailing sentiment (78%) across areas and subclasses is that corruption is "very widespread."
Only 0.4% of Pinoys surveyed said that they believe corruption in the government is not widespread.
Meanwhile, 85% of Filipinos observed an increase in corruption over the past 12 months. Contrary, 12% said that there's no difference and 3% said that corruption in the government has decreased.
Some 59% of Filipinos also believe that corrution is a normal part of politics.
During Congressional hearings, ex-Department of Public Works and Highways engineers and contractors tagged lawmakers like senators Jinggoy Estrada, Chiz Escudero, Joel Villanueva, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and ex-Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co in alleged kickbacks.
Almost all Filipinos (90%) agree that there is collusion among government officials and contractors in the misuse of funds for flood control projects.
The lawmakers have also denied the allegations.
As investigations continue, 71% of Filipinos believe that officials found responsible for the anomalous flood control projects will be punished.
Additionally, narly half of those surveyed believe that protest is an effective means to ensure guilty parties are held accountable. In September, rallies were held against corruption in the country on Sept. 21, the 53rd anniversary of martial law. under Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
More anti-corruption demonstrations will be staged in October and November.
For its September 2025 Nationwide Survey on Corruption, Pulse Asia conducted face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults aged 18 years old and above in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It has a ±2.8% error margin at the 95% confidence level.