The news that finally, the PORK BARREL will be abolished or scrapped, is a welcome development, but will the move stop the prevalent culture of corruption? Remember the old parable, when a woman was condemned to be stoned to death, as punishment for the alleged crime of adultery, Jesus said: “Who among you, who had not committed any sin, may cast the first stone?”
That is the question that we should ask all citizens and officials of government alike. An examination of conscience is necessary, because this problem did not happen overnight and had been the “new normal” which had been tolerated for so long. And every other person is cynical about the possible solutions because many conclude that it is purely staged managed and politically motivated. However, to solve this systemic problem of the day, we should look at the main causes of graft and corruption.
According the political scientists, the related causes of graft and corruption are summarized, as follows:
“1. The complex and dragging system of administration of justice which normally hinders and causes delay in the prosecution of public servants accused of corrupt practices.
2. Unrealistic salaries of government employees and officials that they become susceptible to accept money or in kind,
3. The excessive discretionary powers extended to high government officials.
4. The cumbersome red tape in the bureaucracy that usually resulted in corruption due to tempting juicy inducements that may be offered under the circumstance,
5. The bad example set by leadership I the bureaucracy. If the head of the office of an agency is corrupt, the subordinates are likely to be the same.”
It is said that the origin of these evil practice, was the character of relationship of the Filipino people and its colonial masters. Then, as it is now, people did not feel any stake, participation, or voice in governance, so, they resorted to furtive, creative ways to thrive, survive or prevail over the excesses and abuses of colonialization, as subjugated subjects. Most people never felt empowered to stand up for their rights as citizens, except for some martyrs who died trying. As a result, Filipinos were still not ready to govern themselves upon being granted independence, because the same evil system prevailed, only that the rulers were replaced by Filipino faces. But, this should not be happening, in this modern age. Do you agree? Or are we still living in the medieval times, with our elected and appointed officials of government, act like rulers, operating above the law?
Remember: “We have a government of the people, for the people, by the people!”
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