ASEAN Beat | Politics | Southeast Asia

An Overview of Corruption Investigations in the Philippines

The current ubiquity of corruption underscores the normalization of impunity in the country’s politics, despite recent democratic uprisings.

Protesters take part in an anti-corruption demonstration in Manila, Philippines, Sep. 21, 2025.

An impeachment trial for betrayal of public trust, plunder charges against legislators, the Senate leadership squabble, and the dismissal of cases involving the First Family – several investigations are taking place in the Philippines reflecting the deeply entrenched corruption in the bureaucracy and the role of impunity in the unfolding political crisis ahead of the highly anticipated 2028 presidential election.

Massive flooding in July last year exposed the proliferation of substandard and even non-existent flood projects. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. blamed corruption and vowed to pursue accountability by establishing the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to determine the perpetrators, identify anomalous contracts, and submit recommendations for the filing of legal cases.

The ICI finished its work on March 31 and reported that it was able to recover cash, luxury cars, and other assets from corrupt contractors and officials. However, critics pointed out that it fell short of its mandate as its probe did not reach the presidential office. Marcos was accused of using the ICI to shield himself, his family, and his closest allies from being investigated for their role in the rollout of corruption-tainted projects in the national budget.

Based on ICI’s recommendations, the ombudsman has filed graft and plunder cases against some officials, including former and incumbent members of Congress, resigned Cabinet officials, and big-time contractors. The ombudsman could be targeting more individuals, but the slow release of information has prompted concern that it is engaged in selective prosecution and blackmail aimed at intimidating the political factions opposed to Marcos. One of those arrested was a senator known for being a supporter of Vice President Sara Duterte, whose impeachment trial is scheduled to start on July 6.

Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives in May for alleged misuse of confidential funds and failure to declare bank transactions amounting to at least six billion pesos. Duterte was an ally of Marcos until 2024, when she became a fierce critic of the administration. She claims that Marcos and his allies want to derail her presidential candidacy, even if the impeachment complaint was initiated by civil society personalities who had been consistent in demanding accountability from the country’s top officials. But Duterte is correct in her assertion that House members refused to hold the same........

© The Diplomat