A nation disillusioned

Practically every Filipino believes corruption has seeped deep into the veins of government, infecting institutions meant to serve the people.

A staggering 97 percent think graft is widespread, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey — an indictment of the government handed down just as the Marcos administration is grappling with allegations of massive irregularities in flood control projects.

Only two percent of respondents were undecided on whether corruption is widespread, while one percent believe otherwise.

The perception of widespread corruption was consistently high across all regions and income classes, with 100 percent of respondents in the Visayas saying that corruption is widespread, followed by 98 percent in Mindanao, 96 percent in the rest of Luzon, and 95 percent in Metro Manila.

By income level, 98 percent of Filipinos in both Classes ABC and Class E believe corruption is rampant with 97 percent in Class D echoing the same.

In addition, a vast majority of Filipinos — 85 percent — believe corruption has worsened over the past year.

The survey was conducted as the Marcos administration launched a high-profile crackdown on corruption in public works, including creating the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate irregularities in flood control projects.