Palace expects improved CPI standing after corruption probes

Malacañang on Wednesday said it expects the Philippines’ standing in global corruption rankings to improve following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s move to expose alleged irregularities that have plagued past administrations.

Based on the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International, the country’s ranking shifted from 114th to 120th place.

The Philippines also scored 32 out of 100, up from 31 the previous year.

“We expected that, as the President himself opened the issue of corruption in the country. So, if the president revealed it, then an investigation took place, and the President wanted that to happen,” Castro said in Filipino during a Palace press briefing.

She said the opening of investigations would help address alleged past irregularities.

“Lahat ng dumi ng nakaraan, nililinis ngayon. So, expected po talaga na mabubunyag ang korapsyon na naganap noong nakaraan. At sa paglilinis pong ito, makikita po nila ang pagbabago para mas makita nila na pinipigilan at tinatanggal na ang korapsyon sa pamahalaan,” she maintained.

Castro did not identify any specific past administration in her remarks.

Transparency International said the 2025 CPI showed corruption remains a serious threat worldwide, with only limited signs of progress.

“Leaders must act to tackle abuses of power and the wider factors driving this decline, such as the roll-back of democratic checks and balances, and attacks on independent civil society. Anti-government protests in many parts of the world show that people are fed up with unaccountable leadership and are demanding reform,” the organization said.

The CPI ranks 182 countries and territories by perceived levels of public sector corruption, scoring them on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

“At a time of climate crisis, instability, and polarization, the world needs accountable leaders and independent institutions to protect the public interest more than ever – yet, too often, they are falling short. We’re calling on governments and leaders to act with integrity and live up to their responsibilities to provide a better future for their citizens,” said Maíra Martini, CEO of Transparency International.