The failing mark on corruption control given to the Philippines for 2008 by Washington-based think-tank Center for Global Development (CGD) is not the determining factor on whether the country will qualify or not for the compact category of the Millennium Challenge Account, an official from the Office of the Ombudsman said.
 
Assistant Ombudsman Evelyn Baliton, chief of the Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office (Pacpo), said the Millennium Challenge Corporation board still has to meet next month to discuss the country’s status.
 
“The ratings will not necessarily influence the MCC. It has its own set of standards and we have clearly met and surpassed these performance indicators. What bearing the (CGD) report might have will be up to the MCC,” Baliton said.
 
In its September 26 report, the CGD said the Philippines scored only 47 percent in corruption control for 2008 down from 57 last year and 76 in 2006 when the country first qualified.
 
The MCC requires a passing score of 50 percent and the country’s failure to make the mark jeopardizes its eligibility to continue receiving anti-corruption stipend from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) amounting to $21 million.
 
The Philippines scored way lower than its neighbors Vietnam (58 percent) and Indonesia (56)  and even Uganda (51) and Nicaragua (50).
 
But contrary to the CGD report, Baliton claimed the government posted excellent results based on conviction rate against erring public officials, Ombudsman cases disposed thru mediation, number of cases filed against revenue and finance officials, increase in percentage income from corporate income tax and the number of tax-related cases filed.
 
“The conviction rate is fluctuating but we have successfully convicted a number of big fishes. We are also de-clogging the Ombudsman docket by alternative disposition of pending complaints, that is why we have mediations. We are resolving these matters to the mutual satisfaction of all parties. These are based on our commitment to MCC,” Baliton explained.
 
She admitted that the CGD report can hurt the country’s image as an investment destination and its chances with the MCC.
 
“First and foremost, we have received no official communication from the MCC on whether we have been disqualified or not. Strictly on my personal perspective, I believe we should address this adverse report as soon as possible. It does not matter if we get them to reconsider, we cannot let this perception go unchallenged. But as I said, that is only my personal viewpoint,” she said.