ENDURING SHADOWS: A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF CORRUPTION AND ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS IN THE POST-WAR PHILIPPINES (1946-PRESENT)
Keywords:
Corruption, Anti-corruption, Philippines, Post-war historyAbstract
This article provides a historical analysis of corruption and anti-corruption initiatives in the Philippines from its independence in 1946 to the present day. It traces the evolution of corrupt practices across various presidential administrations, from the "booty capitalism" of the early republic and the centralized "crony capitalism" of the Marcos era, to the pervasive clientelism and illicit enrichment seen in the post-EDSA democratic period. The study examines the underlying factors contributing to the persistence of corruption, including institutional weaknesses, the resilience of political elites, and the impact of deeply ingrained patronage networks. It also assesses the effectiveness of various anti-corruption strategies, highlighting the challenges posed by a lack of sustained political will and public cynicism. By synthesizing academic literature and investigative reports, this article offers a comprehensive overview of how corruption has profoundly impacted Philippine governance, economic development, and social equity, demonstrating its enduring and adaptive nature.
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