The Philippines has long struggled with corruption, which according to some estimates costs the

nation's funds and lost revenue billions of dollars annually. The Degamo scandal highlights the
Philippines' extensive corruption issue, which has long been a major issue for the nation. Significant
economic and social costs are associated with corruption, including the destruction of public trust in
government and the integrity of public institutions.

The Governor Degamo case serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability
in public service, as well as the necessity for more effective anti-corruption measures to stop future
occurrences of situations like this. It is a test of the country's commitment to tackling corruption at all
levels of government.

The region's infrastructure and residences sustained substantial damage from the magnitude 6.9
earthquake that struck in 2012, especially in Negros Oriental. As a result, the government made funding
available to aid in relief and restoration activities, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of impacted
areas. Later on, it was discovered that Governor Degamo had reportedly violated government policies
and processes by using some of these monies for his personal benefit. He was specifically charged with
utilizing the money to buy large equipment unrelated to the disaster relief work. He was also charged
with increasing the price of the equipment procurement, which cost the government money. The Office
of the Ombudsman, a government agency tasked with looking into and prosecuting public officials
accused of wrongdoing, conducted a thorough examination into these claims. Following the discovery of
evidence supporting the claims made against Governor Degamo, he was charged with numerous counts
of graft and corruption.

Due to the fact that the Degamo case concerns a high-ranking government official who was
convicted of bribery and corruption, it is likely to have political repercussions in the Philippines. In
particular, if there is a perception that corruption is widespread and unchecked, the case can increase
public dissatisfaction with the government and its officials. Other politicians who are perceived to be
associated with the scandal or who have been linked to similar corruption instances may also be affected
politically. At the same time, the Degamo situation might present a chance for the Philippine
government and civil society to collaborate in order to tackle the core causes of corruption and
encourage greater accountability and transparency in public institutions. Significant media and public
interest in the case may help to increase understanding of the harm caused by corruption and rally
support for anti-corruption initiatives.

The Degamo scandal serves as a sobering reminder of the obstacles the Philippines must overcome in
order to promote good governance and fight corruption. A high-ranking government official was
convicted as a result of the case, but much more needs to be done to make society more open,
accountable, and free of corruption. The Philippines may go closer to attaining its objective of inclusive
and sustainable development by tackling the underlying causes of corruption and encouraging greater
accountability in public institutions.