REVERSE ENGINEERING OF

LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL SURVEYS ON CORRUPTION

IN THE PHILIPPINES
A Project funded under the
Transparent Accountable Governance (TAG)
Project of The Asia Foundation with support
from the United States Agency for International
Development

April to June, 2006
Background
Several studies and surveys showing the Philippines as one of the
most corrupt countries have been many times over quoted in media.
These reports have painted the image of a graft-ridden country and a
government seemingly powerless over corruption
The most prominent of these agencies which regularly conducts
studies on corruption in the Philippines are:
Social Weather Stations, Inc.
Pulse Asia, Inc.
Ibon Foundation, Inc.
Makati Business Club
Political Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) Ltd.
Transparency International (TI)
Rationale
There is a need to review current studies and surveys being conducted
measuring corruption in the Philippines.
It would be important to know what their methodologies are, who their key
respondents are, how they gather the data and how they analyze their data
sets.
It would be pertinent to mine the data generated by these studies and surveys.
The information culled will aid both government and non-government agencies
in zeroing in its efforts to address corruption on segments of the population
most sensitive to this issue.
It will give better directions as to where concentrated efforts to curb corruption
are vital.
It will pro-actively identify factors affecting perceptions of corruption and facets
of corruption in the country and serve as a beacon to anti-corruption efforts.
Methods Used
Gathering of materials, reports, raw data (both soft and hard
copies if made accessible) from these respective institutions:
Social Weather Stations (SWS)
Pulse Asia Inc.
IBON Foundation, Inc.
Makati Business Club (MBC)
Political Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC)
Transparency International (TI)
Methods Used (continued)
Data gathering on whats available on the internet. The following
websites were sources of many materials:
www.sws.org.ph/
www.pulseasia.com.ph/
www.ibon.org/
www.mbc.com.ph/
www.asiarisk.com/
ww1.transparency.org/
www.transparency.ph/
Methods Used (continued)
In-depth interviews with the following key informants:
Mr. Robert Broadfoot, PERC Managing Director
Judge Dolores Espanol, Transparency Intl RP Chapter
Mr. Antonio Tujan Jr., Ibon Foundation, Inc.
Ms. Rosario Bella Guzman, Ibon Foundation, Inc. Executive Director
Mr. Edward Gacusana, MBC Sr. Research Associate & CAC Proj. Coordinator
Mr. Michael Mundo, MBC Sr. Research Associate & Chief Economist
Ms. Linda Luz Guerrero, SWS VP & Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Jay Sandoval, SWS Director of Sampling, Processing & Data Archiving Group
Ms. Germie Caron, SWS Field Specialist
Mr. Jojo Carlom, Pulse Asia Statistics Supervisor
Ms. Zon Langrio, TNS-Trends Field Director
Mr. Angel Almojuela, Asia Research Organization (ARO) President
Methods Used (continued)
Review of written reports
SWS Survey of Enterprises
Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan visuals
PERC reports
Transparency International reports
Further statistical analysis of raw data made available by:
SWS and Pulse Asia
Caveat
In the course of talking with key informants from these various
research institutions, some have expressed plans to further
modify and make improvements in their methodologies
Since the review of the surveys included in the study was from
April to June 2006, any changes and improvements made by the
various research institutions in their methods of data gathering
data processing and data analysis after this period cannot be
reflected here
The study does not intend to conclude which survey is more
superior than others; rather it intends to give illumination on how
these surveys are done and how the survey data can help in
further advancing means of curbing corruption
SURVEYS ON CORRUPTION
IN THE PHILIPPINES WITH
VOTING-AGE ADULTS
AS RESPONDENTS
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults
Institution
Name of
Surveys
Sponsor
Survey
schedule
Level of Analysis
Social Weather
Stations (SWS)
Social Weather
Surveys
SWS-sponsored
for regular
items; TAG
Project for some
Rider items
Quarterly
Total Philippines &
Major areas: NCR,
Balance Luzon;
Visayas; Mindanao
Pulse Asia (Pulse) Ulat ng Bayan
Pulse-sponsored
for regular items
Quarterly
Total Philippines &
Major areas: NCR,
Balance Luzon;
Visayas; Mindanao
Ibon Foundation,
Inc. (IBON)
Peoples Political
& Economic
Perception
All are Ibon-
sponsored items
Quarterly
Total Philippines
only
Transparency Intl
(TI) [implemented in the
Phils. by Asia Research
Organization ARO, a
Gallup Intl affiliate]
Global Corruption
Barometer [Survey
rider in ARO Voice of
the People Surveys]
All are TI-
sponsored items
through Gallup
International
Every last
quarter of
the year
Total Philippines
only
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Methods
Institution Sampling Method Sample Sizes / MOE Selection of Provinces
SWS
Multi-stage
probability sampling
1,200 RP [300 NCR; 300 Bal.
Luzon; 300 Visayas, 300
Mindanao] / +/-3 RP; +/-6 in
major areas
10 in Luzon, 5 in Visayas, 6 in
Mindanao; with Regional
allocations per major area &
non-quotas for Luz & Vis=
selected with probability
proportional to size (PPS)
PULSE
Multi-stage
probability sampling
1200 RP [300 NCR; 300 Bal.
Luzon; 300 Visayas, 300
Mindanao] / +/-3 RP; +/-6 in
major areas
No pre-selection of provinces
[Can have 10-12 in Luzon; 10 in
Visayas; 10-15 in Mindanao]
IBON Multi-stage sampling
1,200 to 1,400 RP [Allocated per
Reg based on % of COMELEC
Registered Voters per Reg] / No
MOEs
12 in Luzon, 6 in Visayas, 12 in
Mindanao = selected randomly
TI - ARO
Multi-stage
probability sampling
1,000 RP [Allocated based on %
of Household Population per
major geographic Regs: NCR,
North Luz, South Luz, Vis, Min]
/ No MOEs
3 in North Luzon, 2 in South
Luzon, 2 in Visayas, 2 in
Mindanao = selected with
probability proportional to size
(PPS)
Institution Selection of Cities/Municipalities Selection of Barangays
SWS
17 in NCR; 15 in Balance Luz; 15 in
Visayas; 15 in Mindanao = Selected w/
probability proportional to size [RP=62]
60 barangays each in NCR; Balance Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao = Selected w/ probability
proportional to size [RP=240] [starting 2
nd

quarter 2004, barangays instead of precincts
are selected in NCR]
PULSE
17 in NCR; 15 in Balance Luz; 15 in
Visayas; 15 in Mindanao = Selected w/
probability proportional to size [RP=62]
60 precincts in NCR; 60 spots (precincts for
urban or barangays for rural) each in Balance
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao = Selected
randomly [RP=240] (Note precinct maps used
are 1990 COMELEC precinct maps and number
of precincts are updated every national election
cycle)
IBON
13 in NCR; 52 in Balance Luz, 33 in
Visayas 34 in Mindanao = Selected
randomly [RP=132]
13 barangays in NCR; 52 in Balance Luzon, 33
in Visayas, 34 in Mindanao = Selected randomly
[RP=132]
TI - ARO
17 in NCR; 8 in Balance Luzon; 4 in
Visayas; 4 in Mindanao = Selected w/
probability proportional to size [RP=33]
17 barangays in NCR; 35 in Balance Luzon, 16
in Visayas 20 in Mindanao = Selected randomly
[RP=88]
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Methods (continued)
Institution Selection of Households (HH) Selection of Respondents
SWS
5 HHs per barangay are chosen from a starting point
(mun/brgy hall, school, brgy capt. house, church) & a
random start [1-6]; right coverage using interval of 6
in urban areas and 2 in rural area [starting 2
nd
quarter
2004]
Probability selection key among
adults in a HH; One per HH
PULSE
5 HHs per barangay are chosen from random corner
[in urban areas] / from a starting point --brgy hall,
school, brgy capt. house, church -- [in rural areas] &
a random start [1-6]; right coverage using interval of
7 in urban areas and 2 in rural areas
Probability selection key among
adults in a HH; One per HH
IBON
8-12 HHs per barangay; Discretion of interviewer
where to start in a barangay (can be a church,
mun/brgy hall, police station, etc) using an interval of
2 in both urban & rural areas
Looks for HH head; Interviews
the first available adult HH
member [often Housewives]
TI - ARO
8-12 HHs per barangay are chosen from a starting
point (elem school, health center, brgy hall, chapel) &
a random start [1-5]; left coverage using interval of 4
in NCR, 3 in urban areas outside NCR, 2 in rural
areas outside NCR
Probability selection key among
adults in a HH; One per HH
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Methods (continued)
Institution Substitution Rules Quality controls
SWS
No substitution rules starting 2
nd
quarter
of 2004; Replacements are taken by
continually applying the interval
2 valid call backs; At least 10% of total
interviews of each interview are observed
by Field Anchors; 30% spot-checking of
each interviewers output; 100% field
editing by Field Anchors
PULSE
Substitutes should have the same eco
class, age group, gender, & work status
as original respondent
2 valid call backs; 10% Field observation by
supervisors; Spot-checking done in stages
& is at least 20% of unsupervised
interviews; Field editing by group
supervisors
IBON
No substitution rules; Replacements are
taken by continually applying the
interval until quota is reached
No spot-checking; Limited field
observations; Validity of answers are
checked by looking into the sociological
contexts; No field editing
TI - ARO
Substitutes should have the same eco
class, age group, gender, & work status
as original respondent
3 valid call backs; 30% field observation or
spot-checking of every interviewers
output; Field editing by supervisors
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Methods (continued)
Institution Questionnaires
Training of
personnel
Field Personnel
SWS
Drafted in Tagalog; Translated in
English, Ilocano, Bicolano Cebuano,
Ilonggo; pre-tested
Done in 10 central
locations
1 Field Manager; 14 Field
Anchors; 65-70 Field
Interviewers (Anchors also
act as Auditors)
PULSE
Drafted in Tagalog; Translated in
English, Ilocano, Bicolano Cebuano,
Ilonggo; pre-tested
Done in four
central locations
1 Field Manager; 2 Asst. Field
Managers; 4 Field
Coordinators, 40-50 Field
Interviewers; 8 Spot checkers
[subcontracted to TNS-
Trends]
IBON
Drafted in Tagalog but thought out
in English; Translated in English,
Cebuano, Ilocano; Interviewers have
discretion to translate verbally in
other local languages; no pre-tests
No formal
interviewers
training
No regular pool of field
interviewers and supervisors;
mostly volunteers and
activists
TI - ARO
Drafted in Tagalog; Translated in
English, Ilocano, Bicolano Cebuano,
Ilonggo; pre-tested
Done in 3 central
locations
1 Field Manager; About 8
Field Supervisors; About 30
Field Interviewers
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Methods (continued)
Institution Data Processing Weighting scheme
SWS
Office editors conduct consistency
checks; Encoding & Data table
generation using SPSS; Done in-house
starting 2
nd
quarter of 2005
Weights are computed and applied for each
major area to come up with projected adults
for 2005 based on the 1995 NSO census
PULSE
Office editors conduct consistency
checks; Encoding & Data table
generation using Surveycraft & SPSS;
Done by TNS-Trends
Weights are computed and applied for each
major area by locale to come up with
projected adults for 2005 based on the NSCB
projected adult population by locale
IBON
No office editors; Encoding & Data table
generation using SPSS; Done in-house
No weighting schemes used
TI - ARO
Office editors conduct consistency
checks; Encoding & Data table
generation using SPSS or Excel or
ASCII; Done in-house
No weighting schemes used
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Methods (continued)
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Data Gathered
Institution Items on corruption monitored
SWS
Satisfaction with performance of natl govt on eradicating corruption (regular item)
Agencies perceived to be corrupt; perceived to be doing something to curb
corruption
Opinion on extent of corruption in the country
Awareness of private sector anti-corruption groups
Perceived extent of corruption in specific institutions; govt units; sectors
Comparing extent of corruption among different administrations
Degree of effectiveness of government anti-corruption efforts and policies
Degree of effectiveness of specific steps to curb corruption
Accuracy of media coverage on corruption
Personal experience on corruption
Who should be blamed for corruption: govt officials vs. businessmen
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Data Gathered (continued)
Institution Items on corruption monitored
PULSE
Most urgent national concerns (where corruption always ranks in the top 5)
(regular item)
Improvement/deterioration of the issue on graft and corruption in government
Approval rating of the national admin in fighting graft and corruption (regular item)
Performance and trust rating of specific personalities & agencies (like the
Ombudsman)
Priority development Assistance Funds (PDAF) or Pork Barrel funds
2004 Elections: Issues the next President should focus on
Corruption probes in the military; Describing graft and corruption in government
Whether personally experienced or witnessed any instance of corruption
Government agencies perceived to be with the most and the least incidence of
corruption
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Data Gathered (continued)
Institution Items on corruption monitored
IBON
Grading PGMA on combating corruption (from a low grade of 65% to a high of
95%; with 75% as he passing mark) [regular item]
Opinion on how severe corruption is in the Arroyo administration
Truthfulness in accusations that GMA engaged in corruption & cheating in the
elections
TI - ARO
Effect of graft and corruption on ones family life, business environment and
political life
Change in level of corruption in the past 3 years
Expected change in the level of corruption in the next 3 years
Extent by which specific sectors are affected by corruption
Experience on paying bribes in the past 12 months
Approximate amount of money paid in bribes in the past 12 months
Situations which apply to the bribe paid for in the past 12 months
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Statistical Tools Used
Institution Statistical tools used to analyze data on corruption
SWS
Frequencies, Mean, Median
Data can be tabulated by location, locale, age group, gender, and other
socio-demographic variables
PULSE
Frequencies, Mean, Median
Data can be tabulated by location, locale, age group, gender, and other
socio-demographic variables
Upon request can do factor analysis, reliability tests and regression runs
IBON
Simple average of grades given by respondents [from a low 65% to a high
95%]
TI - ARO
Frequencies, Mean, Median [ARO directly submits to Gallup International whose
data is used as source by Transparency International]
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Highlights of Findings
Institution Highlights of Findings
SWS
National government performance on eradicating corruption usually ranks low
BIR, DPWH, BoC, LTO = perceived to be corrupt; Few can mention agencies
which are reputable
Most opine that corruption in the country is widespread
Low awareness of private sector anti-corruption groups and even for Coalition
Against Corruption (CAC)
Most perceive corruption in the national govt and the AFP to be significant
Current administration perceived to be have higher incidence of corruption than
previous one and there are fears incidence is increasing (previous data had
reversed results)
Government anti-corruption efforts and policies are perceived to be not as
effective
Most suggested steps to curb corruption are perceived to be effective (some
more than others)
Media coverage on corruption is perceived to be quite accurate
Few mention personal experience on corruption
Government officials and businessmen are equally to be blamed for corruption
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Highlights of Findings (continued)
Institution Highlights of Findings
PULSE
Corruption always ranks in the top 5 most urgent national concerns
Corruption in government is perceived to be deteriorating rather than improving
Approval rating of the national admin in fighting corruption is low
The Office of the Ombudsman & the Sandiganbayan get fairly positive approval
ratings
Personalities who have served as Ombudsman get negative to low positive trust
ratings
High awareness for Pork Barrel funds; Majority perceive most of the funds go to
corruption
In the 2004 elections, corruption is one of the top issues the next Pres. should
focus on
About 1 in 8 had a personal experience in corruption; mostly in NCR and urban
Visayas
High awareness and credibility of news on corruption in the military as well as
perceived incidence
Corruption in any form is viewed by majority as never justifiable
DPWH, BoC, BIR, PNP, DepED = most corrupt; Majority cant mention agencies
which are not so corrupt
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Highlights of Findings (continued)
Institution Highlights of Findings
IBON
Average grade of PGMA on combating corruption is 70%
Those saying corruption in the Arroyo administration is severe was 66% in Jan
2005, 82% in Oct 2005, and 77% in Jan 2006
67% says there is truth to the accusations that PGMA is corrupt and cheated in
the last elections
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Highlights of Findings (continued)
Institution Highlights of Findings
TI - ARO
The most corrupt sectors mentioned in Asian countries are: political parties,
parliament/legislature, police and tax revenue agencies
The Philippines is one of the lower-middle-income countries where political parties is
identified as the sector most affected by corruption
Among Asian countries, there is a significant level of concern regarding corruption
among taxation authorities and taxation institutions
The Philippines is one of the countries where the political life to a large extent is
affected by corruption
More than 50% of Filipino citizens felt business had been adversely affected by
corrupt practices
Most Filipinos perceive that corruption has affected their personal lives to a
significant extent
Filipinos are particularly discouraged by the recent prevalence of corruption
Filipinos expressed strong concerns about future levels of corruption; stating
corruption has increased recently and expect things to continue worsening
Conversely, only 9% Filipinos have actually experienced incidences of bribery
Given the relatively low incidence of actual experience in bribery, the Philippine data
did not yield meaningful results on amounts paid for bribery and situations where
bribery usually happens
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Public Dissemination
Institution Press releases Databank and Publications
SWS
Items measuring corruption are not
regularly included in press releases
Tables, charts, raw data on graft and
corruption, for so long as no longer
embargoed, can be accessed by the
public for a fee; A few publications have
corruption as the focus
PULSE
Items measuring corruption are not
regularly included in press releases
Tables and charts on graft and corruption
can be accessed for a fee; Can make
statistical runs for a fee but raw data
cannot be accessed; No specific
publication on corruption alone
IBON
Since 2004, grading the national
administration on anti-corruption
efforts is regularly included in
releases
Tables and charts on graft and corruption
can be accessed for free; raw data cannot
be accessed; A few publications have
corruption as the focus but not
necessarily from surveys
TI - ARO
No releases are made by ARO; only TI
makes releases as part of their Global
Corruption Barometer
Results of surveys, tables and charts can
be accessed in the TI website; Raw data
not easily accessible
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Comments on SWS Methods
Allocation for non-quota provinces in
Balance Luzon & Visayas should be
reconsidered because this can slightly
skew the sample since sampling done is
not at the regional level
Urban area coverage using landmarks
as starting points should be reviewed
because it may tend to concentrate
samples in urban centers
Luzon Visayas Mindanao
Reg 1 1 Reg 6 2 Reg 9 1
CAR/Reg2 1 Reg 7 1 Reg 10 1
Reg 3 2 Reg 8 1 Caraga 1
Reg 4 3 Non-quota 1 Reg 11 1
Reg 5 1 Reg 12 1
Non-quota 2 ARMM 1
PROVINCES 10 5 6
SWS Urban coverage:
Starting points are the ff:
Municipal or brgy hall
Public elem. school
Brgy. Capt.s house
Catholic church or chapel
A separate group of Spot checkers (and
not the Field Anchors) should be assigned
to do quality control checks
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Comments on Pulse Asia Methods
It may help to try and acquire the latest precinct maps of urban areas
since 1990 COMELEC maps are still being used
Reconsider random selection of barangays since populations may now
greatly vary among barangays in a municipality
Monitoring of substitution rates may be necessary
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-
Age Adults: Comments on IBON Survey Methods
There is a great need to be cautious of results from surveys IBON
conducts because of the following:
Province selection does not consider population size
No uniform instructions on how to select sample households
Lack of a systematic means to select respondents in a household
Little quality control mechanisms
Having volunteers as interviewers may be disadvantageous to quality
accomplishment of questionnaires
Individual personal translations in the vernacular languages by interviewers can
lead to biases
No substitution or replacement rules
Tendency to be a haphazard survey of housewives (not adults)
Surveys on Corruption conducted among Voting-Age
Adults: Comments on TI Surveys conducted by ARO
Sample dispersion tends to be limited because of:
restricted number of provinces, cities/municipalities, barangays
covered
shorter intervals applied between households when selecting them
greater number of households are included in a specific sample area

Sample bias is for urban areas given that population sizes here are bigger
and thus have a greater probability of being included.

Generalizations on the validity of the surveys
+ SWS, Pulse Asia and ARO surveys can be considered scientific, valid
measures of corruption with the following caveats:
SWS results in urban areas would tend to be affected given their
area coverage method here
Pulse Asia results can be affected by high substitution rates
ARO results should only be interpreted at the national level and its
results may tend to reflect urban sentiments

+ IBON surveys cannot be claimed to represent opinions of Filipino
adults

Insights from Data Results
O Statistical runs from available raw data indicate the ff:
ETrust in institutions is critical to managing public perceptions on anti-corruption
efforts
E Media reports on corruption and media access have significant impacts on
perceptions
E Younger adults are more susceptible to negative perceptions on corruption
E The upper and middle class tend to be most affected and most pessimistic about
ability to resolve corruption
O Surveys by and large do not have an exhaustive framework for critically
looking into all possible predictors of opinions on government anti-corruption
efforts
O Survey items usually included are dependent on clients or sponsors (or
even the institutions) priority needs for monitoring and are often restricted
because of limited funding sources
SURVEYS ON CORRUPTION
IN THE PHILIPPINES WITH
BUSINESS LEADERS
AS RESPONDENTS
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates
Institution Name of Surveys Type of Respondents
Social Weather Stations (SWS) Survey of Enterprises (SE)
Filipino managers in NCR; Cebu;
Davao; Cavite/Laguna/Batangas;
CDO/Iligan
Makati Business Club (MBC)
Executive Outlook Surveys
(EOS)
MBC members (mostly businessmen
in NCR)
Political Economic Risk
Consultancy (PERC)
Corruption in Asia Report
Regional Managers (Mostly from
Hong Kong and Singapore)
Trends in corruption in the
Philippines
Philippine Expatriates from list of
foreign chambers in the Phils.
Risk Analysis Reports
None (Assessments done by risk
analysis experts)
Transparency International
[CPI=independent institutions
conduct their surveys]
[BPI=implemented in the Phils. by
Asia Research Organization ARO,
a Gallup Intl affiliate]

Corruption Perception Index
(CPI)
RP data = 12 surveys of business
people and assessments by country
analysts from 8 independent
institutions (see next pages)
Bribe Payers Index 2002 (BPI)
Senior executives of domestic and
foreign companies in 15 emerging
market economies
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates
Independent Institutes: TI CPI Sources for RP data
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates
Independent Institutes: TI CPI Sources for RP data (continued)
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates
Independent Institutes: TI CPI Sources for RP data (continued)
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates
Independent Institutes: TI CPI Sources for RP data (continued)
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Methods
Institution Sponsors Survey Schedule Level of Analysis
SWS-SE
Transparent Accountable
Governance (TAG) project
Usually 1
st
few months of
the year (Jan to April) =
from 2000 to 2006
NCR, Cebu, Davao,
Cavite/Laguna/Batan
gas; CDO/Iligan
MBC-EOS Makati Business Club
Semestral (Jan and Oct of
every year)
MBC members
PERC
Corruption
in Asia
Government institutions;
Foundations; Funding
Agencies; Business Groups
First time ever November
2005
Refers to Philippines
as a country
PERC
Trends in
corruption
Usually January to
February
Refers to Philippines
as a country
TI CPI
Govt Dev Orgs; Institutes;
Foundations; Public
Institutions; Global
Corporations; Private sector
and Individual Donations
Varies by independent
institutions
Refers to Philippines
as a country
TI BPI-
ARO
First quarter 2002 NCR
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Methods (continued)
Institution Methodology Sample Sizes/MOE Selection of respondents
SWS-SE
Panel survey (face-to-
face interviews)
300 to 500 = NCR; 100 =
Cebu; 100 = Davao; 75 =
CDO/Iligan; 75 = Cavite,
Laguna Batangas
(CALABA)
Simple Random Sampling for
first survey; Panel design for
succeeding surveys
MBC-EOS
Mail survey (self-
administered surveys)
About 100 / No MOEs
applied
All MBC members are sent
qres & response rates are
about 9% to 13%
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Methods (continued)
Institution Methodology Sample Sizes/MOE Selection of respondents
PERC
Corruption
in Asia
Face-to-face interviews
for some; mail survey
for others
About 100 / No MOEs
applied
Random selection from a
secured list of regional
managers of top 500
companies (Mostly from HK &
Singapore)
PERC
Trends in
corruption
Mail survey (self-
administered surveys)
About 100 / No MOEs
applied
All those in a secured list of
Phil expats are sent qres &
response rate is about 10%
TI CPI
Independent agencies
have their own
methods (usually mail
or telephone surveys)
May vary across
independent institutions
May vary across independent
institutions
TI BPI-
ARO
Face-to-face interviews
About 100 (for NCR
data)
Simple random sampling for
each major sector
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Methods (continued)
Institution
Substitution
rules
Quality controls Questionnaires
SWS-SE
Replacements in
cases of refusals
10% Field observations;
20% Spot-checking of
unsupervised interviews
Face-to-face interviews; FGDs
conducted to finalize survey
agenda; Translated in Tagalog
& Cebuano
MBC-EOS
No sub rules;
Dependent on
response rates
Minimal follow-ups
Self-administered by
respondents and mailed or
sent via fax to MBC
Surveys on Corruption among Businessmen or
Expatriates: Methods (continued)
Institution
Substitution
rules
Quality controls Questionnaires
PERC
Corruption in
Asia
Replacements in
cases of refusals
Minimal spot-checking
Face-to-face interviews; Some
mailed responses; Only
answers questions on the
Phils. if they have business
interests here
PERC Trends
in corruption
No sub rules;
Dependent on
response rates
Minimal follow-ups
Self-administered and mailed
back to PERC
TI CPI
May vary among
different agencies
May vary among different
agencies
May vary among different
agencies
TI BPI-ARO
Replacements in
cases of refusals
Minimal follow-ups
Face-to-face interviews;
Taglish may sometimes be
used
Surveys on Corruption among Businessmen or
Expatriates: Methods (continued)
Institution Data processing Weighting scheme Future plans
SWS-SE SPSS; Done-in-house
In every study area
1/3 large companies
& 2/3 SMEs; None
when data across
areas are
aggregated
MBC-EOS
Excel; Manual counting for
some items; Not all
responses are encoded
None
Surveys on Corruption among Businessmen or
Expatriates: Methods (continued)
Institution Data processing Weighting scheme Future plans
PERC
Corruption in
Asia
SPSS; Done in-house None
To expand the base &
samples by major
industry; Add more
demographics including
media access; Will wait
for more feedback from
clients re: suggestions
PERC
Trends in
corruption
SPSS; Done in-house None
To include more
demographics
TI CPI
Independent research
agencies do their own data
processing and submit
reports to TI-Berlin
Usually none
TI BPI-
ARO
SPSS; Done in-house None
Surveys on Corruption among Businessmen or
Expatriates: Data Gathered (continued)
Institution Items on corruption monitored
SWS-SE
Extent of corruption in the public and private sector
In ones line of business, how many give bribes to win public & private contracts
Transactions where company was asked for a bribe by government
Reporting of incidences of bribery
Perceived sincerity of govt agencies in fighting corruption
Government agencies & businesses with good reputations for not being
corrupt; bad reputations for being corrupt
Incidence of always demanding for receipts, always issuing receipts, keeping
one set of books only, paying taxes honestly
Willingness to fund an anti-corruption fund
Interest in supporting activities of anti-corruption groups
Awareness of Coalition Against Corruption (CAC)
Government projects companies are interested to monitor; Bids & awards
committees companies are interested to join
MBC-EOS
Important issues the President should address in the next 6 months (where
corruption is included)
Surveys on Corruption among Businessmen or
Expatriates: Data Gathered (continued)
Institution Items on corruption monitored
PERC
Corruptio
n in Asia
Likelihood of high government officials demanding special payments directly or
through their family/friends
Likelihood of civil servants and lower-level government officials demanding
special payments or favors for such services as issuing business licenses, tax
assessments, various permits and inspection certificates
Effectiveness of judicial system in prosecuting, punishing individuals for
uncovered corruption abuses
Seriousness of govt to fight corruption
Average citizens tolerance for corruption
Extent of corruption in the private sector
Perceived trends in corruption
Extent of corruption being a deterrent to willingness to invest or expand business
Extent by which corruption detracts from the attractiveness of the overall
business environment
Surveys on Corruption among Businessmen or
Expatriates: Data Gathered (continued)
Institution Items on corruption monitored
PERC
Trends in
corruption
Seriousness of problem of corruption in the public & private sector
Effectiveness of judicial system in prosecuting, punishing individuals for
uncovered corruption abuses
Seriousness of govt to fight corruption
Average citizens tolerance for corruption
Perceived trends in corruption
Extent of corruption being a deterrent to willingness to invest or expand business
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Data Gathered (continued)
Institution Items on corruption monitored
TI CPI
Question items vary across independent institutions but often includes extent of
corruption in the country
TI BPI-
ARO
Likelihood companies from the specific countries are to pay or offer bribes in
order to stay or retain business in this country
Likelihood that senior officials would demand or accept bribes for public
tenders, regulations, licensing in specific business sectors
Two sectors where the biggest bribes are likely to be paid
Best description for the OECD Convention on combating bribery of foreign
public officials in international business transactions (Anti-Bribery Convention)
Manner by which organization is responding to the OECD Convention
First solution to corruption if one had a magic wand
Sources of respondents information
Change in the level of corruption in this country in the past 5 years
Factors which affected changes in level of corruption in the past 5 years
Means by which government gains unfair advantage
Top three governments associated with using other means to gain unfair
advantage
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Statistical Tools Used
Institution Statistical tools used to analyze data on corruption
SWS-SE
Frequencies, Mean, Median
Data can be tabulated by study area, gender, industry, employment
size and other socio-demographic variables
MBC-EOS Frequencies, Mean, Median
PERC Corruption in
Asia
Simple average
PERC Trends in
corruption
Simple average
TI CPI Simple average
TI BPI-ARO
Frequencies, Mean, Median [ARO directly submits to Gallup International
whose data is used as source by Transparency International]
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Highlights of Findings
Institution Highlights of Findings
SWS-SE
Public sector corruption remains very high
Ratings of most agencies sincerity in fighting corruption are lower in 2005
Exceptional bright spots are decreasing bribe-solicitation re (a) local govt.
permits/licenses and (b) income tax payments
Private sector corruption and failure to follow honest business practices continue
Private sector willingness to fund an anti-corruption program has risen steadily
Managers are enthusiastic about participating, even personally, in monitoring
government projects and in government Bids and Awards Committees
Conditions look favorable for ultimate success of the Coalition on Corruption
MBC-EOS
Corruption ranks first among the important challenges or issues the President
should address in the next 6 months in most recent survey; Corruption always
included in past surveys
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Highlights of Findings
Institution Highlights of Findings
PERC
Corruption
in Asia
Two main problems of the Phils with corruption are: 1) every level of govt &
private sector is affected by corruption and 2) public relations dimension
(rampant rumour-mongering & political mudslinging)
Publics extreme tolerance for corruption and widespread feeling of helplessness
Perceptions of worsening levels of corruption makes companies say they
approach the Phils with caution
Problem may not be as bad as it looks but touches many parts of the system that
it will be extremely difficult to root out
PERC
Trends in
corruption
Country is doing well despite political problems (May 2006 release) and it helps
that the Philippines has stayed out of the news
Foreign exchange remittances from OFWs greatly helping the economy
Systemic risks (which includes the ff. variables: corruption, nationalism &
cultural risks, institutional weakness) always garners the lowest in rating; this
pulls the risk index higher
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Highlights of Findings
Institution Highlights of Findings
TI CPI
In the 2004 survey round, the Philippines ranks as the fifth most corrupt (together
with Papua New Guinea and Vietnam) in the Asia Pacific. This has deteriorated
compared to 2003 results.
For the 2005 survey round, the Philippines ranks 117
th
in the world [lowest is ranked
158
th
]
TI BPI-
ARO (No
specific
report on
RP only)
Public works & construction, followed by armed and defence perceived to be most
corrupt sectors
Low level of awareness on OECD Anti-Corruption Convention
Courts perceived to be the best means to solve corruption (given a magic wand)
Top sources of information are from colleagues, friends, clients; from press,
media reports; from personal experience
Level of corruption in past 5 years remained about the same
Public tolerance affected increases in incidence of corruption and greater press
freedom affected decreases in levels of corruption
US, France, UK: Top 3 governments said to be using other means to gain unfair
advantage
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Public Dissemination
Institution Press releases Databank & Publications
SWS-SE
Media writes reports on it after the public
briefing is conducted
Data, for so long as no longer embargoed,
can be accessed by the public for a fee
MBC-EOS
Write-ups regularly posted in website and is
distributed to media
No archiving of data; Raw data not for
public access; Executive Outlook Survey
results published in website
PERC
Corruption in
Asia
One-page press release given to clients and
not to media
Raw data not for public access;
Consolidated report is for clients only (like
TI) called Corruption in Asia Report
PERC Trends
in corruption
Associated France Press (AFP) buys the
report and local media gets a copy from
wire service reports (and are often
misreported)
Raw data not for public access; Asian
Intelligence Report; Philippine Risk Rating
Update
TI CPI
TI posts results in its website; Usually
press gets a one-page summary of rankings
in the world & the Asia Pacific
Results of surveys, tables and charts can
be accessed in the TI website; Raw data
not accessible
TI BPI-ARO
ARO Releases are for selected clients and
not for media; TI posts results in its website
Results of surveys, tables and charts can
be accessed in the TI website; Raw data
not accessible
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Comments on SWS Methods
Simple random sampling instead of a panel survey every round should be
considered
Should consider the use of weights when aggregating responses of the different
study areas
May want to pursue the use of the sealed-envelope technique in interviewing
especially for sensitive issues on corruption
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Comments on MBC Methods
May want to improve method of collecting data; there is a need to ensure that
those who answer the forms are the MBC members and are not accomplished by
secretaries or assistants
Although response rates are decent, there is a need to ensure that profile of
sample reflects actual demographics of MBC members; Those who did not respond
may be significantly different from those who responded
Should consider a more advanced method of tabulating responses to improve
quality control
Should consider archiving their data
Can possibly make generalizations about MBC members opinions but not
necessarily all businessmen
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Comments on PERC Methods
Demographics like nationality, sector, industry, media access and sources of
information or basis for opinions should also be monitored. Items like incidences of
actual bribery experience or first-hand stories can also be included.
Reports should be qualified as opinions of regional managers who are mostly
based in HK and Singapore and/or Philippine expatriates
Although response rates are decent, there is a need to ensure that profile of
sample reflects actual demographics of regional managers and Philippine expatriates
Reports tend to mix analysts expert opinion with data culled from surveys
Surveys on Corruption conducted among
Businessmen or Expatriates: Comments on TI-Phil. Methods
Since independent institutions are the sources of the data, the differences in
methods & target respondents may have its effects
But these effects seem to be negligible when scores were standardized, averaged
and subjected to beta transformations as well as correlations to create a more
reliable index, thus validating the reliability of the results
It would be great if they could include predictors of perceptions or variables
measuring impact of media attention and sources of information in their analysis of
the results
Varying cultural contexts across countries may have its effects on how incidences
of corruption are reported

Generalizations on the validity of the surveys
+ Not all the surveys follow strict probability methods for respondent
selection
+ Caution should be exercised for results of surveys whose response
rates may be decent but are not validated with demographics of
population under study
+ Results should be qualified (or understood) as responses of a
particular segment or type of businessmen and this differs for every
institution conducting the surveys
+ The consistency of patterns in responses across institutions (even if
they have different types of respondents & methods) somehow gives
validity to the perceptions on corruption levels in the country
Insights from Data Results
E Media reports have a big impact on perceptions
E Word of mouth by colleagues and friends also affect perceptions
E When looking at the 2005 TI-CPI RP data, the high-low range of
scores is 2.3 to 2.8, indicating variability in responses and RP ranking
may actually be between 97 to 130 (117) but scores are still relatively
low
E Status of high profile corruption cases easily gets the attention of
analysts, businessmen, and expatriates
E Systems and efforts that will help sustain decreasing incidences of
bribery in public transactions should be maintained
THE NATIONAL INTEGRITY
SYSTEM (NIS)

A study by Transparency International- Philippines
2006
Background
The concept of the National Integrity System (NIS) has been developed and
promoted by TI as part of its holistic approach to countering corruption.
The NIS consists of the key institutions, laws and practices that contribute to
integrity, transparency and accountability in a society. When it functions properly,
the NIS combats corruption as part of the larger struggle against abuse of
power, malfeasance, and misappropriation in all its forms.
The NIS approach provides a framework with which to analyze both the extent
and causes of corruption in a given national context, as well as the adequacy
and effectiveness of national anti-corruption efforts.
By diagnosing the strengths and weaknesses of a particular integrity system, an
evaluation based on the NIS can help inform anti-corruption advocacy and
reform efforts.
Background (continued)
Executive
Legislature
Political Parties
Electoral Commissions
Supreme Audit Institution
Judiciary
Public Sector
Police and Prosecutors
Ombudsman
Anti-corruption agencies
Media
Civil Society
Private Sector
Regional and Local Government
International Institutions
Public Procurement
The main pillars of the NIS are considered to be the following:
What is the National Integrity System
TIs National Integrity System (NIS) country studies are qualitative reports that
provide a detailed and nuanced assessment of anti-corruption systems at country
level.
Via these studies, TI aims to provide an overview of the National Integrity
Systems in countries from all regions of the world.
The studies provide both benchmarks for measuring further developments in
these countries, and a basis for comparison among countries.
TI believes it is necessary to understand the provision for and capacity of
National Integrity Systems to be able to diagnose corruption risks.
TI-Philippines: Goals of the NIS Project
The Philippine Chapter of TI is the one spearheading the study
Their goals are to
Undertake a survey regarding the basic state pillars and bring
recommendations on how to reduce corruption in this institutions
Publish the survey in National Integrity System Study in English language
Promote results of National Integrity System Study trough mass media
Stimulate broader public discussion on anti-corruption issues
Strength the rule of the law
Improve accountability and transparency of the public sector
TI-Philippines: Project Activities
Investigation of the corruption phenomenon on the ground i.e. in 11
basic state pillars (Government, Parliament, Judiciary, Prosecutors,
Police,)
Printing of the National Integrity System Study
Media presentation
Distribution of the Study
TI-Philippines: Methods Used
Dr. Gabriella Quimson (of the Griffith University) is the consultant of TI
Philippines on this project. She had accepted a 6-month project with AUSAID.
In a recent interview via phone (to Australia) she says she would not yet be in a
position to disclose details on methodology and results until the project is
completely finished and TI gives the go signal
A focus group discussion was held in late June 2006 to present the initial results
to various stakeholders but this did not prove to be productive enough for
concrete validation of results
According to a 2-page summary of the initial results, the study utilized institutional
research and news reports to gather data for the study and interviews were no
longer conducted
The report has not been finalized and a summary of findings is the only available
release on the study
A second draft of the report is being prepared and more FGDs for validation of
results will be conducted among stakeholders in the coming months
Comments on the TI-Philippines Method for the NIS
Study
The failure of Dr. Quimson to be there during the presentation of initial
results has been a great factor in the inability to explain in great detail the
methods used and conclusions reached by TI-Phils for the study
The initial plan to conduct in-depth interviews would have been a good
parallel method together with institutional research and gathering of data
from news reports (the latter was cited as the method used based on the
2-page summary released)
It would be essential to get hold of a copy of the full report before any
comprehensive assessments of the methods and the findings of TI Phils
for the NIS study can be made
A second draft of the report is being prepared and FGDs will again be
held to present the results to various stakeholders before the report is
finalized -- which can shed better light on methods used
SUGGESTIONS
Suggestions TO GOVERNMENT
Govt agencies have to have a clear, comprehensive and inter-linked plan for
combating corruption and disseminate to the public in simple laymans terms
Govt institutions should aggressively & unceasingly trumpet gains in anti-
corruption efforts in the tri-media
A regular TV, radio, newspaper blitz or peryodikit in barangays on anti-
corruption programs & updates should be sustained
Hotlines for reporting cases of corruption should be propagated and
popularized
School curricula should incorporate values which would foster a society
intolerable to corruption
Linkages and joint efforts of religious and civic organizations with govt should
be popularly disseminated
Strong grassroots (barangay level) support to create a continuing momentum
for anti-corruption efforts
Broadcast or publish names of people with cases of graft and resolution
(updates) reached on these cases
Suggestions TO GOVERNMENT
Actively encourage business to participate in anti-corruption activities (sit in bidding and awards
committees, contribute to anti-graft funds, etc.) and acknowledge their anti-corruption efforts
Have a database of members of the business community, regional managers (especially in HK
and Singapore), expatriates & their respective networks and create a regular means of updating
them of governments anti-corruption efforts through an email system or newsletter distribution
Follow through the corruption fund they are willing to put up in order to strengthen anti-
corruption efforts and plan with them who, how and where it should be disbursed
Set-up a regular schedule of meeting with business or be included in their forums where govt
can inform them of recent actions, solicit their assistance and suggestions
Know where businessmen are susceptible to corruption and focus anti-corruption efforts there
[Mine the survey data]
C Transactions to watch out for: local & national govt permits and licensing, income payments,
import/export regulations, receivables from govt [simplifying processes and transactions will
greatly help]
C Sectors to watch out for: construction, defence, import/export, logging & lumber
C Agencies to focus on: BIR, BoC, DPWH, AFP, PNP, DENR, LTO
Make business groups & networks realize the importance of promoting strong private sector
(business) ethics to help prevent corruption
Suggestions to the PRIVATE/BUSINESS SECTOR
Continue to be active in anti-corruption efforts especially in sectors
vulnerable to corruption (construction, defence, import/export, logging &
lumber) and in crucial agencies (BIR, BoC, DPWH, AFP, PNP, DENR)
Take steps to make the plans for an anti-corruption fund realizable
Undertake mechanisms for policing own ranks against corruption by
practicing strong business ethics and corporate governance within their
spheres of influence
Be more diligent in demanding for receipts, always issuing receipts,
keeping one set of books only, and paying taxes honestly
Suggestions to SURVEY RESEARCH COMPANIES
Be more transparent and comprehensive in reporting research methods used for
studies made public
Consider archiving data results so that they may be validated and/ or mined by
other interested parties
Continually assess, evaluate and improve methods of research (from sampling to
questionnaire design to data processing and analysis) so that credibility and integrity
will be protected
Be meticulous in applying error margins and confidence intervals when
interpreting survey data results [Note: Standard error margins and confidence
intervals used are applicable only to methods using simple random sampling (SRS)
and therefore allowances should be made for multi-stage methods]
Exercise caution in reporting survey findings and making generalizations and
conclusions when non-probability methods are used
Suggestions to MEDIA
4 Take pains to report properly survey methods used and survey
results; being wary of sound bites which may be misleading
4 Exercise more responsibility in doing further research on studies
on corruption rather than taking everything at face value as
reported by the survey firms
4 Consider good news (positive actions, improved efforts,
encouraging updates) in the battle against corruption equally as
important to report and publish as the negative news on corruption
4 Give as much space and airtime to positive developments and
news in the fight against corruption as a means to encourage
integrity champions and honest officials & employees in government
4 Focus reports not only on corrupt national officials but also
against corrupt local executives, corrupt businessmen and corrupt
private individuals
Suggestions to CIVIL SOCIETY
+ Continue efforts to help the public sector in its difficult task of fighting
corruption by:
Assisting in info-dissemination on ways to prevent corruption
Propagating gains in anti-corruption efforts
Being critical of government lapses but proactive in its efforts and
suggestions to help curb corruption
Being active in joint efforts with government like participation in Biddings
and Awards Committees (BACs)
Explore other creative means of participation in boosting anti-corruption
efforts especially those that will encourage integrity champions and honest
government officials and employees
Aid in gathering evidences not only against corrupt national officials but
also against corrupt local executives, corrupt businessmen and corrupt
private individuals
END OF PRESENTATION
Maraming Salamat po!