Corruption prevention strategy for the Philippines: incorporating ethical norms in the performance appraisal system

Abstract

Corruption prevention has become a major concern of aid donors including the World Bank. The World Bank recently stressed the importance of the state whose capabilities are undermined by corruption, as an agent of development. An effective state can contribute powerfully to sustainable development and the reduction of poverty… The state’s monopoly on coercion, which gives it the power to intervene effectively in economic activity…gives it the power to intervene arbitrarily. This power, coupled with access to information not available to the general public, creates opportunities for public officials to promote their own interest.. at the expense of the general interest. The possibilities for rent seeking and corruption are considerable. Countries must therefore work to establish and nurture mechanisms that give state agencies the flexibility and the incentive to act for the common good, while at the same time restraining arbitrary and corrupt behaviour in dealing with business and citizens (World Bank 1997:99). In the Philippines, corruption has been described as endemic in the government and public service. With resources already scarce, it is imperative that existing public resources be utilised both efficiently and effectively. The prevention of corruption is critical to the further economic development of a country such as the Philippines.