Image source: Toonpool.com
Other factors such as corruption within the governmental sector can also be pinpointed as one of the causes of the lack of efficiency of these laws. World Bank (2009) reports that as of 2008, Philippines ranked 141 out of 179 countries on the Transparency International Index. Its corruption rate is perceived to be very high. World Bank (2009) states that in areas where natural resources are abundant, corruption is more rampant. This is because corrupt officials can use their power to exploit these natural resources for personal gains. It was observed that many illegal logging activities and unauthorized fishing activities take place in multiple areas of the Philippines. Indeed, one of the reasons for these could be corrupt officials exercising their power without any respect for the law.
In addition to the above problem of poverty as elaborated on the page ‘Poverty’ in this blog, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reports that the government exhibits debilitating capacity in implementing poverty reduction programs. This further exacerbates environmental problems as many of the rural poor who depend on the rich biodiversity of the Philippines continue to engage in destructive fishing and agricultural (kaingin: slashing and burning of forest areas) activities, which further degrade the natural environment. Effective programs designed to alleviate or at least reduce poverty in rural areas where most of the country’s poor reside may be highly beneficial in aiding the catastrophic environmental situation of the country.