PH Ranks 65th in Global Impunity Index, Trails Four ASEAN Neighbors

The Philippines has ranked a low 65th globally in the latest edition of the Atlas of Impunity, lagging behind four of its Southeast Asian neighbors. This index measures impunity as the exercise of power without accountability. Developed by Eurasia Group in collaboration with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the atlas highlights that despite being one of Southeast Asia’s longest-running electoral democracies, the Philippines remains a weaker performer in the region regarding accountability. This outcome points to structural issues within the Philippines concerning judicial independence, law enforcement, and public trust in those in power. Past political turmoil, delays or insufficient punishments in prosecuting certain powerful figures may have contributed to this ranking. For the Philippines, which has deep international ties including a large overseas Filipino worker (OFW) population and ongoing South China Sea disputes, strengthening domestic rule of law is crucial for gaining international trust. For its relations with Japan, transparent governance and adherence to the law are essential for enhancing economic cooperation and investment stability.