Perceived public sector corruption in the Philippines worsened in 2025, with the country slipping six places to 120th out of 182 countries and territories in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

In its latest report, the Berlin-based watchdog gave the Philippines a score of 32 out of 100 — down from 33 in 2024 and the country’s lowest rating since the current scoring system was adopted in 2012.

The CPI measures perceived levels of public sector corruption, with zero indicating “highly corrupt” and 100 “very clean.”

The decline came as the country grappled with a multibillion-peso scandal involving alleged irregularities in flood control infrastructure projects. Several cases have been filed, with more investigations expected in the coming months.

Among Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines ranked near the bottom, scoring higher only than Cambodia and Myanmar. Singapore remained the region’s top performer with 84 points, placing third globally behind Denmark and Finland.

Malacañang said the lower score was not unexpected, attributing the shift in perception to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s exposure of alleged anomalies in public works projects.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said public perception may have worsened as the administration “cleaned up the dirt” from past irregularities.

She emphasized that accountability efforts remain ongoing, adding that the President “never loses interest” in pursuing those responsible.

Castro also noted that Marcos has instructed government agencies to focus on economic recovery while continuing institutional reforms.

In response to governance concerns, the Department of Public Works and Highways launched a blockchain-based monitoring system called “Integrity Chain,” designed to improve transparency in infrastructure spending. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the system would create traceable and auditable project records to prevent future anomalies.

Transparency International reported that global anti-corruption progress stalled in 2025, with the worldwide average score falling to 42 — the first decline in over a decade. More than two-thirds of countries scored below 50, indicating serious corruption concerns.

Despite maintaining top positions, even high-ranking countries such as Denmark, New Zealand and Switzerland recorded slight score drops. At the bottom of the index were South Sudan and Somalia, each scoring nine.

Transparency International chair François Valérian said corruption remains preventable through strong democratic institutions, independent oversight and active civil society participation.

He urged governments worldwide to strengthen accountability mechanisms, warning that declining integrity standards threaten public trust and long-term development.