Bribery and embezzlement of public funds are the two leading types of corruption, according to a study conducted in the country.

In light of this, the Office of the Ombudsman will use the data as a basis for implementing reforms to further catch corrupt government officials.

Nanay Lourdes, an eatery owner, expressed her frustration over corrupt officials. 

"Those corrupt officials should be held accountable. The people are suffering. It's such a waste—instead of benefiting the people, it goes to the corrupt, into their pockets," she said.

["Yang mga kurap na yan, managot nang husto. Kawawa ang mga mamamayan e. JC: Talagang napakahirap imbis na mapakinabangan ng mga mamamayan, napunta sa mga kurakot.”]

News about corruption within government agencies has been widespread, particularly regarding flood control projects. The President himself has called out government officials who benefit from public funds.

President Marcos condemned those involved in corruption. 

"To those who conspire to take the people's funds and steal the future of our citizens—have some shame before your fellow Filipinos!" he said.

["Kaya sa mga nakikipagsabwatan, upang kunin ang pondo ng bayan at nakawin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga mamamayan. Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Filipino!"]

According to a study conducted by OCTA Research among 1,200 Filipinos in December 2024, 73% believe bribery is the most prevalent form of corruption. This was followed by irregularities in the use of public funds at 66%, while vote buying ranked third at 62%.

Tatay Dante, a vendor in Quezon City, agreed with the survey results, saying he wasn't surprised as it matches what he often hears in the news alongside ongoing government investigations.

"It's all bribes and payoffs. Because if there were no bribes, no payments made, someone would speak up. But no one does. They must have been paid large amounts, so they stay silent," he said.

["Puro bayaran e, suhol. Kasi kung walang suhol yan, walang binayaran sa mga yan e, may magsasalita dyan e, kaso wala. Malalaki siguro ang binigay kaya tahimik."]

Nanay Lourdes called on authorities to strengthen their efforts against abuse of power. 

"Those officials involved in corruption should pay the price so our government can improve," she said.

["Dapat yang mga opisyal na yan na nasangkot sa mga korap pagbayaran nila para tumino ang ating pamahalaan."]

The Office of the Ombudsman itself commissioned the survey to serve as the basis for measures they will implement as an independent body focused on investigating and prosecuting government employees involved in corruption.

Assistant Ombudsman and Office of the Ombudsman Spokesperson Mico Clavano announced plans to revive the Resident Ombudsman program. 

"The immediate response of the office is to reactivate the Resident Ombudsman Program. This program essentially allows the Office of the Ombudsman to assign Resident Ombudsmen in vulnerable agencies where they will work on-site to serve as the repository of complaints as well as be the chief implementers of the programs instituted by the office," he said.

While the list of departments isn't final yet, Clavano said they will prioritize national agencies such as the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

To maintain professionalism and avoid familiarity, there will be rotation in the deployment of Resident Ombudsmen to each agency. Clavano added that they will strengthen coordination with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for these measures.

They will also continue commissioning additional surveys to serve as the basis for future reforms in the office.

With reports from Evan Alvarez