Graft taints China-Philippines ties
Chinese investments have grown, but so have allegations of kickbacks involving high officials.
China is stepping up its presence in the Philippines by investing billions of dollars into the country, which has resulted in what many are calling a “golden age” in relations between the two.
But the strengthening ties has been overshadowed by allegations that numerous top government officials in the Philippines have been taking kickbacks for significant project deals and that Chinese investors have worked with them in collusion.
Gloria Arroyo, Philippine’s president, is among those accused of trading political favours for personal gain in a number of business deals.
In a recent revelation – a former Philippine government official blew the lid on a highly controversial telecommunications deal – which has drawn accusations of corruption against top officials including the husband of Arroyo, and the project’s Chinese investors.
Al Jazeera’s Marga Ortigas reports from Manila.