Article: "Corruption in the Philippines"

Corruption in the Philippines is a large problem and integrated in the society for years. Everybody seems to accept it. The ‘bigger’ corruption can be found in the government offices and the house of representatives, and even in the senate of the Philippines. Many ‘officials’ are corrupt and get money that is not actually theirs, but belongs to the people of the Philippines. There are many jokes about the so called “pork barrel” issues in the house of representatives. They all are able to get some for specific projects they initiate but put a lot of the money in their own pockets or the pockets of assistants, contractors and the like. Of course there are also ‘honest’ politicians in the Philippines, but because of the political system in this country, many are NOT. I will not discuss this here, I only like to report about corruption on a small scale.

Reaction: "Redeem the Pearl of the Orient Seas"

The Pearl of the Orient Sea, a country which is very known for its luscious natural resources, hospitable citizens and people of strong and good values. These are but some things that we can celebrate and be happy about our own country. Yet as time passes by, depictions on Philippines does not only limit to positive compliments anymore, negative portrayals are being thrown to it. The one considered massive issue nowadays is the corruption in the country. The one in which the Philippines is very much famous of, it’s even included in the top list.

I know, everyone seems very alarmed and surprised of what our Fatherland has become. The country that was once a captive of different foreign land, now know how to imprison its own self. The government, who is the one responsible on managing the wealth of the country, consumed all and remain nothing for the poor. People pay taxes, obey the rules of the land and yet receive nothing but less of what they deserve to have in terms of their economic welfare.

The mindsets of the people in authority have been ruined. They say there are many anti-corruption programs yet nothing changes. From the very head of the national government down to the small units of local officials, so long as they have the power, they corrupt. Well, I am speaking in a general term, I suppose; but this is what I observe.

I want to share one experience that really flared me up. I witnessed a real “kotong” scenario. My dad and I were driving our way from the mall when a complete uniformed police officer approached and signalled for us to stop. My dad got out of the car and talked to the police officer. I got curious and silently listened to what they were discussing. I’ve heard there are violations and all that which must be paid a fine in the PROPER traffic regulation office and attend some seminars perhaps. The discussion continued but one thing that alarmed me was when the officer whispered to my dad that they could somewhat negotiate it with money instead. Well, we could do nothing with it but to follow since my dad drove for 4 hours to come here in the city that day to do some business transactions and will soon travel back after. He instructed my dad to secretly put the money in his licence card and hand it to him. He even made some loud talks about the fine and the seminar such that everyone could hear and think that he is doing his duty properly as a police officer. I got so pissed that I mumbled and tactlessly murmured inside the car. We left the scenario with me kept on thinking how evil those acts are.

Seriously, people, with my almost 20 years of existence in this temporal world, this issue keep on turning and juggling back, like there is no end to it. People in power may think, “ah, gawain naman ‘to nila Boss, ba’t di natin gawin?”. It seems like they are the ones being deprived of their rights. They do the same and corrupt for they think that it’s very biased on their part to just let the others do the act. Are not they thinking of us common citizens of the Philippines? Haven’t it got in their minds that above anyone else, we are the ones being deprived? Taking into consideration all the Filipino citizens, they are not making it even anyhow.

The Philippines critically needs some restructuring and redeeming to do. With the new set of government officials today, Filipinos keep on hoping that somehow there will be a positive change. We put our trust to them for we do not have any hold with their actions. It is only with them and their own conscience to start that change and rebuild the truthfulness and honour in the government. As for us citizens, we just continue to do our tasks and responsibilities in paying the lifeblood of the economy. May those wrong mindsets be put to a stop and together we will regain the integrity and lead progress of the Pearl of the Orient Seas.