CORRUPTION has been the scourge of men ever since the invention of government.
In our country, corruption in government dates back to the Spanish colonial period
where public offices are for sale and accountability of public officials is practically unheard of.
During those times, the integrity of public officials and their minions (family, friends, and concubines) were never really scrutinized publicly except after Dr. Jose Rizal exposed their evils through his Noli Me Tangere and El FIlibusterismo, and other reformist bludgeoned it in La Solidaridad.
The extent of corruption reared various forms of degradation like bribery, horse trading, embezzlement, extortion, fraud, nepotism, influence peddling and to some extent, murder.
Corrupt government officials used their positions to enrich themselves. Public funds were often misappropriated and positions were only available to those who are closer to the proverbial “kitchen” or those who have personal connections rather than on merit.
The Catholic friars and their secular counterparts played a major role in shaping the ethical standards during those dark periods, no wonder hundreds of acres of lands were accumulated, albeit, surreptitiously by the “sons and preachers of God.”
Ever wonder why some of the so-called religious schools purportedly founded by friars in the country owns extensive lands? And by the way, they enjoy tax-free benefit.
Corruption was not only a monopoly of the friars, politicians, and other local or national leaders. The Spanish crown, although it did not officially sanctioned, allowed the sale of positions of power, both civil and ecclesiastical, for financial gain or to generate revenue.
Even the Real Audiencia, the highest tribunal established by King Philip II in May 5, 1583 which held legislative, executive, advisory, and administrative functions in the Philippines and other Spanish colonies, was not spared from graft and utter abuse of power.
And although the American period brought some relatively positive changes in terms of addressing corruption, the system of governance still allowed for the elite to wallow in their new found reign which bred patronage and other forms of shenanigans.
With this as a premise, it is easy to conclude that corruption is deeply embedded in our political system – a lingering malady that devours the very existence of our country’s soul.
The latest unearthing of the extent of corruption in some government programs, particularly the flood control projects, has opened another Pandora’s Box, which if unchecked will set free all evils including the hope of the Filipino people.
Budget insertions and hocus pocus of public funds has become more of a standard rather than a moral threshold.
The saddest part of it is that some politicians who are behind this dastardly act still manage to feign innocence in public and has the audacity to act unblemished as if morality is their domain and righteousness is their calling.
Remember El Filibusterismo’s Don Custodio?
“This is a demolition job!” said a self-righteous public servant, alluding to some members of the House of Representatives.
Demolition job your face! You can tell that to the Marines or the Philippine Coast Guard.
What is more depressing is that some of these jerks even run and won their respective seats under the platform of honesty, integrity, and good governance. One lawmaker whose questionable projects in his province north of Manila even run under the premise of benevolence, righteousness, and untarnished morality. What is that again? Praise the Lord?
Mahiya naman Kayo!!!
Ordinary mortals like us could only wish that the government hold these marauders masquerading as public servants accountable for their thievery.
Latest data available showed that the country’s foreign debt is $146.6 billion and according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 20 percent of these money goes to corruption.
“They will have to account for the expenditures they made, the results of which we can’t even see. Someone must be held accountable for the hardship of our fellow citizens,” he said.
“And the worst part of these all, minsan yung mga project na hindi maganda napupunta sa unappropriated. Ano yun? Utang yun. Nangungutang tayo para mangurakot itong mga ito,” the President added emphatically.
The Filipino people are overburdened with hardship and adversity. The government is trying its best to carry us through this.
While some unscrupulous contractors are flaunting their wealth and the corrupt politicians are continuously making hay while their sun is shining, the people are trying to make both ends meet.
I say expose these brigands and bring them to court. The Filipino people deserves to know the truth.
