Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

FOUR years ago, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo emphasized that "corruption is strangling the Philippines." She has called on Filipino citizens to "join hands to root out this evil." She also mentioned that ill-gotten wealth would be seized from corrupt offi cials – both in the government and the military. Years later, in an ironic twist of fate, GMA’s administration has become one of the most notorious regimes for corruption in the history of Philippine governance.

The issue of rampant corruption in the Philippines has become a major concern for foreign businesses, demonstrated in the results of a survey on business expectations conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). 88 percent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction over the overwhelming problem of corruption. "Dissatisfaction with corruption, which has improved in recent years, has reverted to 2005 levels," the survey pointed out.

Many believe that the system of corruption in the government is a well-oiled machinery, with everyone involved conspiring and working together to ensure that their bases are covered and protected. What is even more saddening is that corruption manifests itself, not only among the powerful and infl uential, but even among those who are at the bottom of the food chain. The bureaucracy is the foremost breeding ground for corrupt offi cials. They start off with small fry and eventually acquire big fi sh as they climb up the ladder of hierarchy.

What’s scary is that corruption has already deeply-rooted itself in the norms of Filipino culture. Filipinos have become apathetic and complacent to the problem, and have embraced the fact that governance instantly equates to this crookedness.

But no matter how tall and thick the brush of corruption gets, it is our responsibility, as Filipino citizens, to dig deep and kill it to its last root. There is no excuse for our apathy. The loss of many has become the gain of one, unless we take radical action and reverse the equation. (AJPress)