Street-based corruption in the Philippines: Exploring kotong frame alignments between enforcers and motorists in a city in Metro Manila

Abstract

Corruption is a pervasive problem in the Philippines. Previous studies have focused on institutions and culture as factors behind the persistence of corruption in the country. Moreover, the emphasis has been on corruption that occurs within the bureaucracy. In this qualitative, exploratory study, we explored the possibility of the shared understanding, the frame alignments between the local state authorities and drivers as a possible explanation behind the persistence of street-based form of corruption known as kotongan or kotong. Based on the interviews conducted, results showed that there is a shared understanding between state authorities and drivers as to what kotong is, the benefits they derive from the transaction, and the factors behind the acceptance of kotong. © Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2017