Election and corruption

By Paul Anthony Eso

(Vol. XXVII No. 21, Editorial Cartoon)

Election and corruption

The circus is once again in town.

With the national poll set in May, it is very apparent that the election circus is now almost engulfing the whole local and national atmosphere. Election campaign jingles like the much sung ‘Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura’ are now redundantly played on television and radio stations. Campaign posters, with the candidates’ smiling faces, are starting to sprout everywhere. Different fora and debates about the candidates’ platform and background were staged and were witnessed by the Filipino people in the past days – and more are to be staged and may be witnessed in the coming days.

Popularity matters in the Philippine election that is why, candidates are now spending millions for their political ads. Leadership and personal background also matter that is why, every candidate now seems to be digging everything in their respective coffer to show proofs of their luring achievements and pictures of their charitable deeds like helping people in a flood scene, offering food to street children, launching program for Mother Nature, and the like that has dramatic soap opera features. Every candidate now seems to be ‘nagbubuhat ng sariling bangko’ just to lure the Filipino masses.

Popularity, leadership skills, and personal background are the traditional factors that are considered by most (responsible) Filipino voters before voting. But, if there is one more factor that should be secured first above the rest, it should be the ‘incorruptible’ factor – a voter must vote for the candidate who is not corrupt, a candidate who is strongly determined to fight corruption.

The problem about corruption has been hounding the government since time immemorial. As the May poll comes, it also means that there is a chance that it can be ended, or at least, minimized by electing an incorruptible leader.

These days, the issue about corruption is already alarming and at these times, it appears that it is not just a problem of perception but an actuality. Despite the countless corruption issues exposed in the past, corruption cases are increasing not only in number but also in the amount of money involved.

What is also alarming is the fact that among the reported big cases of corruption in the government, not one was given proper action by the government, despite the efforts of whistleblowers and concerned groups. It is a sad reality that corruption has freely spread its roots and branches in the Philippine government because the current administration itself has done nothing to cut it. Well, how could they afford to cut it if it would mean cutting their own roots and branches?

If only corruption were not present in Philippine government today, the life of every Filipino would have been, at least, a little easier. But this social illness, instead of being eliminated by our leaders in the past, has gone far until the present and has even worsened – freely and healthily. It’s been there growing sturdy because our leaders allowed it.

Corruption these days may have turned into the sturdiest tree in Philippine government, but it is not yet too late to cut that tree down. It may appear impossible, but we can still do something about it.

This coming election is our chance to revive the fight against corruption. Let us choose an incorruptible leader.