MANILA – The Philippine government defended itself from criticism following a latest survey that showed corruption remains a problem in the four-year old Aquino administration.
The survey by the Social Weather Station of Enterprises on Corruption conducted from July to November 2013 showed a spike in how respondents from the public sector perceived the corruption in the government – From 43% in 2012 to 56% in 2013.
But Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the recent survey findings manifest the government’s effective efforts to carry out reform in the country’s bureaucracy and eliminate corruption.
Coloma, avoiding issues on the dip in anti-corruption rating, pointed out that the Philippines’ ranking in the International Finance Corporation’s “Doing Business 2014” report jumped 25 places to 108 from 133 in 2013, citing marked improvements in areas such as getting credit, dealing with construction permits, paying taxes and resolving insolvency.
The Transparency International also reported in 2013 that the Philippines’ ranking improved significantly to number 94 from 105 the previous year.
These findings are recognition of the government’s determination to carry out reforms that will promote good governance pursuant to its commitment to implement the United Nations Convention Against Corruption through the 21-point agenda announced by the President last December, according to Coloma.
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