A new international survey has revealed that the Philippines ranks among the most tolerant countries in Asia when it comes to bribery, with only three out of ten Filipinos firmly rejecting it as “never justifiable.”
The findings, drawn from the World Values Survey (7th Wave) and analyzed by Dr. Rogelio Alicor Panao, data scientist at INQUIRER Metrics and associate professor at the University of the Philippines, showed that just 30.6 percent of Filipino respondents completely opposed bribery. This is far below Indonesia (70.4 percent), Thailand (69.9 percent), Japan (81 percent), and Singapore (81.7 percent), where rejection of bribery is nearly universal.
At the other end of the spectrum, 7.9 percent of Filipinos admitted that bribery is “always justifiable”—the highest figure recorded in the region. Meanwhile, 19.4 percent of respondents fell in the middle of the 10-point scale, suggesting that many Filipinos believe bribery can be acceptable depending on the circumstances.
“These responses highlight a paradox,” said Panao. “While Filipinos denounce corruption in public life, many also rationalize it as a practical necessity.” He explained that in an environment characterized by red tape, underfunded bureaucracies, and patronage politics, bribery is often viewed as a way to “grease the wheels.”
The survey emphasized that moral persuasion alone may not be enough to change these attitudes. Instead, “it will take stronger institutions that deliver fairness and efficiency without shortcuts,” the analysis noted.
The World Values Survey, a global research project on beliefs and norms, covered nearly 80 countries in its 7th Wave, including several Asian nations.
The results come as corruption scandals continue to make headlines in the Philippines. On Tuesday, the National Bureau of Investigation recommended criminal charges against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, as well as Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Separately, a former Highway Patrol Group official is facing administrative cases after allegedly receiving ₱7 million from a suspect in exchange for dropping charges and granting special treatment. The National Police Commission confirmed that the officer is now under investigation for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the service.
