Brothers and sisters, two weeks have passed since the Transparency International released the Corruption Perceptions Index of almost 200 countries. The CPI measures the perspectives of the public and certain experts regarding the corruption within their respective countries. In 2020, we got a score of 34; a 100 score means being the “cleanest” and zero means being the most “corrupt.” In conclusion, we didn’t pass. We didn’t even reach the international average score of 43.
Although we maintained this score since 2019, our ranking dropped from 113th down to 115th out of the 180 countries included in this survey. In 2018, we ranked 99th. This means the perspective of the public and experts in our country has not improved and that rampant corruption has spread in the Philippines. According to Transparency International, the Covid-19 pandemic isn’t only a health and economic crisis but also a corruption crisis we failed to suppress. This is because of those in power and oversee the national treasury who prioritize their own interests, instead of the needs of the people, especially those
marginalized in society.
A great aspect of ending corruption is having a government promoting transparency, a government that informs the public of all their actions and transactions. This includes informing the public of our shortage of funds to purchase Covid-19 vaccines. The people eventually asked questions regarding the true price of the vaccines that the government intends to buy with our taxes. There was also the P15 billion allegedly stolen by PhilHealth officials. After the former anti-fraud legal officer of the agency disclosed the issue of corruption involving those who lead PhilHealth, our leaders are still insisting that no theft occurred in the agency.
The administration was said to be taking action in suppressing corruption, through public shaming and establishing agencies mandated to apprehend the corrupt. Nevertheless, there are people claiming that even if the administration prioritizes programs that seek to end corruption in government, the administration is not serious enough to implement these programs. Simply put, only words without action.
In the Catholic social teaching, corruption is one of the worst threats to democracy. Corruption betrays not only the morals of incumbency but also the standards of social justice. This breaks down the trust of the people toward public institutions and results in the loss of political participation by the people. In the end, these institutions responsible for addressing the needs of the people will weaken. Corruption bends the good nature of politics in order to move forward to achieve common good. Because of corruption, politics only becomes a place of exchanging favors for those with personal interests. The people who have power are benefiting, while the public, especially the marginalized, are set aside.
This is why, even if the CPI only shows perspectives, it bears great significance as far as the trust of our people in the government is concerned. This has an effect in their participation in politics and active engagement toward progress. It is severely distasteful that corruption is rampant in the middle of a crisis; at a time when many lost their jobs, homes, and are without food. Corruption is the root of losing justice because it steals whatever is righteously meant for the people.
Brothers and sisters, in the book of Hosea 9:9, it says: “They have sunk deep into corruption, as in the days of Gibeah. God will remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins.” God is not blind and oblivious to the deviance of those in power. May we become His voice in taking the corrupt accountable, and suppress corruption.
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