CinemaBravo

A 2011 study by public administration experts from the University of the Philippines lauded the anti-corruption approach used by the administration of former President Corazon Aquino and said that it be still be utilized as viable model in future campaigns against corruption.

The study, led by Prof. Leonor Magtolis Briones — who would later serve as Department of Education Secretary under former President Rodrigo Duterte — highlighted what it called the “Cory Model,” an anti-corruption approach that relied on existing government institutions rather than new agencies or additional public spending.

The study, “Pinoy Solutions to Corruption,” was presented at the UP–National College of Public Administration and Governance. The research team included UP-NCPAG professors Danilo Reyes and Ma. Oliva Domingo.

“During the administration of President Corazon Aquino, significant anti-corruption results were attained without creating a new agency,” Briones said, noting that Aquino worked within the existing Cabinet structure and government arrangements. “She utilized what was already in place without putting up a new organization and without creating new items of expenditures.”

Briones said the experience under the Cory Aquino administration showed that substantial gains against corruption are possible within the current framework of government institutions.

“It is possible to work within the existing framework of government institutions. Most important, only Filipinos can solve corruption in the Philippines,” said Briones , who also served as lead convenor of Social Watch Philippines.

She described Aquino’s anti-corruption approach as so straightforward that it “does not even have to be called a strategy,” noting that the only new body created during her term was the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), which was tasked specifically with recovering ill-gotten wealth.

Aside from the PCGG, Aquino integrated anti-corruption efforts into the regular operations of the Executive branch, particularly through the Cabinet system. Each Cabinet secretary and agency head was ordered to review their own organization, craft anti-corruption plans, and submit regular reports on their progress.

“Since each department and agency was different from the others, the secretaries had different strategies and reported varying results,” Briones said.

The study noted that the successes achieved during Aquino’s term were largely attributed to the integrity of her Cabinet members, stressing that leadership quality is critical to any effective anti-corruption drive.

“The assessment reports on President Cory’s fight against corruption show very clearly that the successes attained were largely due to the integrity of her Cabinet members,” Briones said. “A clear lesson is that the quality of each Cabinet member is crucial in an anti-corruption campaign.”

The study further concluded that Aquino and her Cabinet left behind a legacy of “fundamental integrity,” which it said should be emulated by future administrations.

The proposed framework outlined in the research emphasized that government must lead any comprehensive anti-corruption campaign, with the President at its helm. It recommended covering all levels of the Executive branch—national, local, and government-owned and controlled corporations—while inviting Congress and the judiciary to participate.

Other sectors, including business groups, civil society, academic institutions, faith-based organizations, and the media, were also identified as key partners in the campaign.

Briones also emphasized that conditions at the time of the study mirrored those during the Cory Aquino administration.

“There is widespread revulsion against corruption. At the same time, there is also widespread trust in the President,” she said. “It can be said that now is the time to launch a massive, comprehensive anti-corruption campaign.”