Corruption: The people should think twice

THE PEOPLE SHOULD THINK TWICE ABOUT THE HYPOCRICY THEY PREACH 

Ever since I understand the meaning of the word (second grade) is only associated with politicians and people who have public responsibility. Traditioanally you will hear on the radio, TV and public forums that politicians are to blame for all the irregularities in the Philippine society. During the election period you will hear influential civic leaders campaigning against corrupt officials. Even religious leaders join in the bandwagon. What can I say? Sirang plaka.

Did anyone in this country ever thought about the real root of corruption? I was enlightened when I  experienced a typical and classic example of corruption.

I was in a restaurant one market day in a particular town when I heard a conversation between two citizens discussing how they cheated the councillor to give them money for their shopping. One mentioned about medicine for her very ill child and the other for operation of his daughter. Fortunately none of them mentioned about burial of a family member. How shameful it is!!!!! This situation is repeated in every corner of the country in whatever way: great or small.

One retired politician closely related to me once complained about the debt he is still paying in funeral homes, pharmacy, hardware, etc, etc as a result of “serving the constituency”. That is BLOODY nonsence. Let’s look at it in another perspective. Let’s say an incombent public servant is subjected to the pressure of pleasing the people with the  aim to secure the vote in the coming election. What will he do? Most likely, provide tangible things or in the form of favors.  As I said this is repeated to some degree or another all over the country. The higher the position, the higher the pressure. What the poor politician will do is to recover the loses and from where? Does he have a choice? Of course not. Of course the public purse is the most easy target.

NOW WHO IS THE VILLAIN? the people will say the politicians. This I thought is the mechanics of corruption in our country. Only the change in the attitude as a people can change or disrupt this cycle of corruption.