[This answer is from 2009. To read the 2023 update, click the link in the blue box further down] Corruption is a significant obstacle to good governance in the Philippines. A review of recent literature suggests that all levels of corruption, from petty bribery to grand corruption, patronage and state capture, exist in the Philippines at a considerable scale and scope. Significant efforts have been made to combat corruption, which include putting in place legal and institutional frameworks, as well as efforts by civil society organisations and the media. Donor agencies are also actively involved in building capacity to curb corruption in the Philippines. The success of these initiatives, however, is far from guaranteed and many observers believe that structural obstacles such as entrenched cronyism continue to undermine anti-corruption efforts.