Malacañang is elated by the decline in corruption in government from the viewpoint of the business community based on a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS)

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the latest survey results show the positive transformation of the government into a public service-oriented institution, far from the corruption-tainted government inherited by President Aquino in 2010.

“The latest snapshot of public opinion from the Social Weather Stations (SWS) shows a decline in corruption, with a new record low: 32% of business managers affirming personal knowledge of a corrupt transaction with government during the last three months of their operation.  The previous record low for this measure was logged in 2012, at 33%,” Lacierda said.

“We also note that a record low of 39% was also reflected in the latest survey, based on those who stated that most companies in their lines of business resort to bribes to win public sector contracts,” he added.

Executives from 966 companies were polled in the SWS Survey of Enterprises on Corruption conducted from November 2014 to May 2015.

Lacierda said they welcome this positive news which affirms global perception as reflected in surveys such as Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Under the Aquino administration, the Philippines has steadily climbed this index, from a ranking of 134th in 2010 to 85th in 2014.

“These figures reflect the reality of our government’s transformation in recent years: from one plagued by corruption and dishonesty to one that is committed to public service through Daang Matuwid,” he added.

Lacierda then made a pitch for the continuity of the good governance beyond 2016.

“The fruits of good governance can only be further reaped through continuity. Daang Matuwid is a task and responsibility that stretches beyond 2016,” he said.

“The gains we have achieved only make more urgent the imperative to continue a firm policy against corruption that is geared for the benefit of our true bosses, the Filipino people,” he added.

by: Genalyn Kabiling, Manila Bulletin

original source: http://www.mb.com.ph/govt-sets-corruption-record-low-of-32-sws/