Most Filipino adults believe corruption remains deeply entrenched in government, according to the latest nationwide survey by Pulse Asia Research, Inc., conducted amid a series of high-profile corruption scandals and political controversies in late 2025.

Results of Pulse Asia’s December 2025 Ulat ng Bayan survey, conducted from December 12 to 15 using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide, showed that 94 percent of respondents say corruption in government is widespread, with 71 percent describing it as “very widespread.” While still overwhelmingly high, this marks a slight decline from September 2025, when a higher percentage of Filipinos viewed corruption as very widespread.

The survey highlights strong consensus on what Filipinos consider corrupt practices, whether in the public or private sector.

Accepting or giving bribes topped the list (74 percent), followed by misuse of public funds or company resources (66 percent), and offering or receiving kickbacks for contracts or services (64 percent).

Other acts perceived as corrupt include tax evasion or regulatory non-compliance (42 percent), insider trading or financial fraud (42 percent), nepotism or favoritism in hiring or promotions (39 percent), and non-disclosure of conflicts of interest (21 percent), the least cited but still affecting one in five adults nationwide.

Pulse Asia noted that public opinion on most of these actions remained largely unchanged since September 2025, except for a decline in the share of respondents who consider insider trading and non-disclosure of conflicts of interest as corrupt acts.

Despite a modest easing in perceptions, 74 percent of Filipino adults believe corruption in government increased over the past 12 months, down from 85 percent in September 2025. Only 7 percent said corruption decreased, while 19 percent believe it stayed the same.

Regional differences were observed: respondents in Mindanao were most likely to report an increase (94 percent), while those in the Visayas reported a smaller increase (66 percent).

Public opinion remains divided on whether corruption is an inherent part of Philippine politics. About 41 percent agree that corruption is normal, 43 percent disagree, and the remaining 17 percent are undecided.

Notably, most Mindanaoans (58 percent) and Class C respondents (51 percent) reject the idea that corruption is normal, whereas Metro Manila (50 percent) and Visayan adults (48 percent) are more likely to agree.

The polling period coincided with a string of major developments, including allegations of anomalous budget insertions, corruption cases involving lawmakers and senior officials, resignations of Cabinet members, mass protests calling for accountability, and investigations into flood control and infrastructure projects.

Pulse Asia emphasized that the survey was independently conducted by its pool of academic fellows and not influenced by any political, religious, or partisan group.

The Pulse Asia December 2025 survey underscores that while perceptions of corruption may have slightly softened, public concern over corruption in government remains overwhelming, highlighting the continued demand for transparency, accountability, and institutional reform.