46 decades of corruption
Corruption in Philippines' roads, bridges, and public works infrastructure began during the Spanish colonial era, though its modern, systemic form evolved significantly after World War II. Spanning 46 decades or 461 years of documented infrastructure development and systemic exploitation inclusive of 15 elected and two assumptive presidents, it continues these days. That's 1565 to 2026. Rather than having a single starting date, infrastructure corruption has progressed through distinct historical eras, beginning with the encomienda and polo y servicios (forced labor) systems. Under Spanish rule, local collectors and colonial administrators routinely siphoned off materials and tribute funds intended for public galleon roads, forts, and bridges. Following the nation's post-war independence, the introduction of democratic elections birthed structural patronage, where wealthy political clans used state-funded public works contracts as currency to reward loyal local allies ...