PERISH the thought of ever eradicating graft and corruption in government offices and agencies, if “rotten eggs” continue to emerge victorious during elections in the Philippines.

The polls, which are held every three years in the country, enable the people to rid the government of “vultures” and prevent the entry of “crooks” into the bureaucracy.

In a democratic society, like the Philippines, it is certainly very difficult to remove erring government officials and employees, especially those holding permanent positions.

“Kailangang dumaan sa tamang proseso ang isang lingkod-bayan na gustong tanggalin sa serbisyo dahil sa ibat-ibang kasalanan,” according to a retired public school teacher.

In short, it takes time to dismiss a corrupt appointive public servant. Elective government officials, like governors, mayors and councilors, are easier to remove.

“Ang kailangan lang ay huwag iboto ang mga walang silbing opisyal. Hindi sila kailangang dumaan sa tinatawag na due process para maalis sa puwesto,” the teacher added.

That’s why, we, like other well-meaning Filipinos, cannot overemphasize the importance of the upcoming May 9 presidential, congressional, regional and local elections.

Let us not allow unscrupulous politicians and their rah-rah boys and girls to victimize more people.

And the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and various civil society organizations should be commended for calling on the electorate to “vote wisely” on May 9.

We hope the 67.5 million registered voters will wake up to their moral responsibility to help the government in its nationwide anti-corruption campaign.Electing ‘rotten eggs’

PERISH the thought of ever eradicating graft and corruption in government offices and agencies, if “rotten eggs” continue to emerge victorious during elections in the Philippines.

The polls, which are held every three years in the country, enable the people to rid the government of “vultures” and prevent the entry of “crooks” into the bureaucracy.

In a democratic society, like the Philippines, it is certainly very difficult to remove erring government officials and employees, especially those holding permanent positions.

“Kailangang dumaan sa tamang proseso ang isang lingkod-bayan na gustong tanggalin sa serbisyo dahil sa ibat-ibang kasalanan,” according to a retired public school teacher.

In short, it takes time to dismiss a corrupt appointive public servant. Elective government officials, like governors, mayors and councilors, are easier to remove.

“Ang kailangan lang ay huwag iboto ang mga walang silbing opisyal. Hindi sila kailangang dumaan sa tinatawag na due process para maalis sa puwesto,” the teacher added.

That’s why, we, like other well-meaning Filipinos, cannot overemphasize the importance of the upcoming May 9 presidential, congressional, regional and local elections.

Let us not allow unscrupulous politicians and their rah-rah boys and girls to victimize more people.

And the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and various civil society organizations should be commended for calling on the electorate to “vote wisely” on May 9.

We hope the 67.5 million registered voters will wake up to their moral responsibility to help the government in its nationwide anti-corruption campaign.