A 2025 US State Department report reveals that several American firms in the Philippines have faced bribery demands from customs officials, making corruption at the Bureau of Customs a major barrier to investment.
The report highlights complaints about invasive searches, inconsistent fees, and unofficial payments known as facilitation fees.
Despite government efforts like tax breaks, foreign direct investment in the Philippines remained flat at $8.9 billion in 2024.
The report also cites other challenges, such as poor infrastructure, high costs, bureaucracy, and a slow judicial system.
Corruption continues to be a widespread issue, ranking the Philippines 114th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 9, 2025
