We have heard news about excessive bonuses and allowances given to upper management and executives of the Philippine government. Do not leave out also the perks and privileges given to these blessed individuals, examples of which may come disguised in the form of communication and office automation requirements like laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other high-tech gadgets and services, which are not only excessive but also redundant.
Corruption is an issue as old as governance itself. Filipinos therefore tend to be cynical about corruption in government. They are shocked that public officials are corrupt, although they may sometimes marvel at the magnitude of the thievery. Many have also started to accept it as part of the government culture because those who oppose or refuse to take part of the irregularities are alienated, reassigned, or worst, forcibly removed from office.
Now that the Aquino administration has been very determined to go after the perpetrators, more and more Filipinos are now raising issues about the effectiveness of government performance, the accountability of government institutions, and the transparency of government agencies. Many have also realized that democracy in itself does not ensue that government officials and institutions are immune to the corruption that plagued authoritarian regimes. The people should remain vigilant and keep a constant watch because there still exists many who can’t wait to get their idle hands on “evil” opportunities.
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