We know too well the effects of lying, cheating, and hypocrisy, but we have made it into an art form. Why? Why are we so selfish and ignorant? The culture of corruption is widely accepted here, but has tarnished the image of our country abroad. We have become used to broken promises; the perpetrators are often our leaders.
Admit it or not, Filipino citizens are bullied and looked down upon in some countries abroad. There is no more honor in most things we do here or in other countries because we are in it for survival, and the silent majority focuses on only one thing: themselves.
I read an article a while ago that stated that Filipinos leave the country because of new opportunities and RESPECT. The headline amazed me because it made me think about how we can ever lose respect in our own country or others losing respect towards us. Are we going backward? No wonder our investments are not secure because of the economic problems. Government infrastructure projects are no longer structured. Poor health services are rampant. Education lacks a lot of support, and significant improvements aren’t underway. Year in and year out, we still have the same problems with whoever holds the administration.
Why does corruption flourish when we know its effects so well? The control of the so-called “straight road government” over the entire financial system is disturbing and undemocratic. Not to mention, the justice ruling in this country. Where are the cases against the corrupt now?
Why is there not much media coverage, fair prosecutions of those involved, and justice for all affected? Do we have to play the blame game again and wait for anybody else to act or something to happen so we can put things in order immediately? We already have various anti-corruption laws, but there is still no political will to implement them strictly and fully. As Mayor Duterte said, we are saying a lot but not doing a thing.
The rich are getting richer because of control. The Philippines has many resources that are either controlled by capitalists or still underdeveloped. Most government officials get rich from stealing public coffers or doing shadow projects. We have seen it happen; what are we going to do now? In the long run, who will be devastated? Of course, most of us have to toil all day long to provide for our families.
Imagine our government officials and employees as ethical and righteous people who approach every transaction in the best interests of the Filipinos. There will be salary increases in productive output, and if they continue to uphold ethics in their jobs, they could be given awards or incentives. The best thing is that they will earn our trust and respect, which will be heightened where it was non-existent. It will not be long before we garner the global community’s attention so we can position ourselves as one of the world leaders in radical change.
Other places like Hong Kong, Singapore, and even Botswana stepped up their campaigns against corruption, and look at how enriched their people’s lives are. The initiatives created new opportunities and, I must say, respect and wealth for decent and hard-working people. They enjoy economic freedom alongside controlled corruption, but I wish the new Philippines would eradicate this social evil.
Observe how a few people amassed large sums while the rest wallowed in poverty. This is economically foolish and just shows the world how rampant corruption is in our country.
Featured image: Odd Einarson 1934
