Philippines Corruption Perception Index increase by 0.2 points from 2.4 in 2010 to 2.6 in 2011 but same score in 2004

Transparency International first launched The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in 1995. It has been widely credited with putting the issue of corruption on the international policy agenda. The score ranges below five on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 10 (very clean). The CPI ranks almost 200 countries by their perceived levels of corruption, as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys. In the 2010 CPI, the Philippines got a CPI 2010 score of 2.4 , and ranked 25th out of 33 in the Asia Pacific Region. Overall, the Philippines ranked 134 out of 178 countries in 2010.

In the 2011 CPI score is 2.6 a bit higher than 2010 CPI score and now the Philippines ranked 129 out of 182 countries .

Looking at the past CPI below, the same CPI 2011 score of 2.6 is shown in 2002 and 2004 . The highest CPI score during the term of Former President Gloria Arroyo was in 2001 at 2.9 just when she took over the Presidency. The Philippines score was at its lowest in 2008 (2.3) but picked up in 2008 (2.4) and remained the same in 2009. The highest CPI score recorded by Transparency International is in 1999 at 3.6 during the term of former President Joseph Estrada.

Will the Philippines ever reach a CPI score of 3.6 ? It has been 13 years since we last saw that score.

2009 – 2.4

2008 – 2.3

2007 – 2.5

2006– 2.5

2005 – 2.5

2004– 2.6

2003 – 2.5

2002 – 2.6

2001 – 2.9

2000– 2.8

1999 – 3.6

1998 – 3.3

Here is the rest of CPI report

2011 – a crisis in governance: Protests that marked 2011 show anger at corruption in politics and public sector

Corruption continues to plague too many countries around the world, according to Transparency International’s 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index released today. It shows some governments failing to protect citizens from corruption, be it abuse of public resources, bribery or secretive decision-making.

Transparency International warned that protests around the world, often fuelled by corruption and economic instability, clearly show citizens feel their leaders and public institutions are neither transparent nor accountable enough.

“This year we have seen corruption on protestors’ banners be they rich or poor. Whether in a Europe hit by debt crisis or an Arab world starting a new political era, leaders must heed the demands for better government,” said Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International.

CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2011: THE RESULTS

The index scores 183 countries and territories from 0 (highly corrupt) to 10 (very clean) based on perceived levels of public sector corruption. It uses data from 17 surveys that look at factors such as enforcement of anti-corruption laws, access to information and conflicts of interest.

Two thirds of ranked countries score less than 5.

New Zealand ranks first, followed by Finland and Denmark. Somalia and North Korea (included in the index for the first time), are last.

“2011 saw the movement for greater transparency take on irresistible momentum, as citizens around the world demand accountability from their governments. High-scoring countries show that over time efforts to improve transparency can, if sustained, be successful and benefit their people,” said Transparency International Managing Director, Cobus de Swardt.

Most Arab Spring countries rank in the lower half of the index, scoring below 4. Before the Arab Spring, a Transparency International report on the region warned that nepotism, bribery and patronage were so deeply engrained in daily life that even existing anti-corruption laws had little impact.

Eurozone countries suffering debt crises, partly because of public authorities’ failure to tackle the bribery and tax evasion that are key drivers of debt crisis, are among the lowest-scoring EU countries.
Here is the rest of the report:

Public outcry at corruption, impunity and economic instability sent shockwaves around the world in 2011. Protests in many countries have escalated quickly from small scale action to mass demonstration, uniting people from all parts of society. Their backgrounds may be diverse, but the message is the same: more transparency and accountability from our leaders is needed.

The 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index shows that public frustration is well founded. No region or country in the world is immune to the damages of public-sector corruption, the vast majority of the 183 countries and territories assessed score below five on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 10 (very clean).

New Zealand, Denmark and Finland top the list, while North Korea and Somalia are at the bottom.

“This year we have seen corruption on protestors’ banners be they rich or poor. Whether in a Europe hit by debt crisis or an Arab world starting a new political era, leaders must heed the demands for better government,” said Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International.

Public-sector governance that puts the interests of its citizens first is a responsibility that is not restricted to any border. Governments must act accordingly. For their part, citizens need to continue demanding better performance from their leaders. If we work together, the situation shown by this year’s Corruption Perceptions Index can improve. These are our countries and our future.

The 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index

The 2010 Corruption Perceptions Index

About the Index

The Corruption Perceptions Index ranks countries according to their perceived levels of public-sector corruption. The 2011 index draws on different assessments and business opinion surveys carried out by independent and reputable institutions. The surveys and assessments used to compile the index include questions relating

to the bribery of public officials, kickbacks in public procurement, embezzlement of public funds, and questions that probe the strength and effectiveness of public-sector anti-corruption efforts.
Perceptions are used because corruption – whether frequency or amount – is to a great extent a hidden activity that is difficult to measure. Over time, perceptions have proved to be a reliable estimate

of corruption. Measuring scandals, investigations or prosecutions, while offering ‘non-perception’ data, reflect less on the prevalence of corruption in a country and more on other factors, such as freedom of the press or the efficiency of the judicial system. The Corruption Perceptions Index complements Transparency International’s many other tools that measure corruption and integrity in the public and private sectors at global, national and local levels.

For detailed information on the 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index please visit www.transparency.org