This research project constitutes an important first attempt at locating the problem of corruption in the broader context of Philippine political economy in the light of more recent literature. Other attempts both here and abroad at analyzing the problem have frequently dealt only with the narrower question of designing mechanisms and deterrents to prevent corruption in specific instances, or have focused exclusively on the role specific forms of corruption plays in hindering development.

While some rich material on corruption has been provided by mass media – most exemplary being the PCIJ -- a need still exists to digest this and locate it in the broader locus of social theorizing. Little has yet been written on the specific characteristics of Philippine corruption, as shaped by its peculiar social and historical circumstances. The papers arising from this project provide a useful strategic view, using case examples, of the relationship between corruption and development in the Philippines, which is often more complex than is first suggested by recent writing arising from the most recent wave of interest in corruption studies.

The problem of defining the government’s minimal scope, for example, when markets themselves are imperfect and corruptible is raised using concrete examples. The ambiguous response of corruption to large-scale innovations such as globalization, deregulation, and devolution is another problem area that is also tackled.

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