by: Perpecto Yasay
Unrestrained Corruption
Corruption, which should be defined as the use of public resources and/or public power for personal benefit is evidently one of the main governance issues that contribute to the growing poverty of our people.
Studies undertaken by the World Bank as well as by other international groups consistently point out that at least 40% of the national budget is wasted to corruption instead of being utilized to provide for much-needed basic services and other poverty reduction programs that would spur economic growth.
Ironically, no public work or infrastructure plan, like a farm to market road, no matter how essential to the community gets to be built unless arrangements are made for dishonest government officials to benefit from it. Corruption is the fuel that gets any development project done. Simply put: no corruption, no vital project.
With the national budget now reaching PhP1.3 trillion, one can reasonably expect that around 650 billion pesos will go to the pockets of unscrupulous public servants, even as corruption in the Philippines permeates the entire government bureaucracy, from the lowest to the highest officials. It is so pervasive that it is now a way of life and thinking and a part of our damaged culture. It has weakened all branches of government, including the judiciary.
In four centuries of Spanish colonial rule, the Filipinos were effectively subdued by a religion that subtly taught the masses to win divine favors through the intercession of patron saints. This practice evolved into the “padrino system” that has spread throughout the secular lives of the people, where any favor sought must be coursed to a patron or lord who is compensated for his benevolent intermediation. Political patronage is the popular term for this kind of graft today. This is the reason why everyone finds it so important to have a godfather or “ninong” in positions of power and influence.
A public office is now considered to be the quickest way to get filthy rich. It is no wonder many politicians do not hesitate to spend hundreds of millions of pesos to get elected. They expect a quick return on their investment once elected, through the abuse of power. As a result, the poverty of the people is worsened and perpetuated.
In my view, corruption is a moral crisis that is rooted on wickedness and unrighteousness. It was the compelling basis for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; it caused the wrath of Moses when he saw his people wallowing back in the muck of their old evil ways as he returned from Mt. Sinai bearing the tablets of stone on which God’s laws for His people were inscribed; it is the same moral degradation and depravity that led to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Corruption is the same form of despicability and vileness which the prophets and anointed leaders of God in biblical times zealously and relentlessly rebuked. Thus, it can only be effectively licked with abiding determination and spirited support from the Church, which is the final bastion and repository of all moral authority.
The fight against corruption can only be won by public servants with unquestionable integrity and ethical courage, nurtured according to the teachings of the Church. Public officials must constantly be reminded of the sacred truth that a public office is a public trust akin to Christian stewardship.
Now that my job for today is done, allow me to conclude that the response of the Church to the crucial problems that confront the nation must strike hard at their causes.
I remember during my younger days many years ago, when I was Vice President of the World Alliance of the YMCAs when I questioned the viability and effectiveness of our refugee program in what was then known as South Vietnam. I argued that more than just adopting palliative measures, the real task of the YMCA was to eliminate the refugee problem by addressing its cause. At the bottom of the problem was the war and it was indispensable that we took a firm stand against it.
The same is true with the war against poverty. The Church, if it wants to be involved must make a bold stand against its causes and help government eradicate it. Are we prepared to confront the real issues pertaining to the causes of poverty? Are we willing to revisit our antiquated ideas and doctrines in order to effectively address our national concerns? Would not our teachings and beliefs be formidable hindrances to such a demanding responsibility? Are we prepared to come out with workable solutions and not be part of the problems we want resolved?
The answers to these questions lie in your hands.
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