Grafters in gov’t
AFTER the elections, going after winning corrupt candidates, national and local, is “better said than done” in this impoverished and graft-prone Southeast Asian country.
In democratic societies, like the Philippines, erring government officials and employees ought to undergo due process before they are dismissed, suspended or reprimanded.
Of course, if the corrupt government official is filthy rich, powerful and influential, he/she is in a position to hire the country’s best lawyers to defend him/her in court.
Note that no less than outgoing President Duterte himself has conceded the continued existence of corrupt officials and employees in government offices and agencies.
Thus, we, like other well-meaning Filipinos across the country, cannot overemphasize the importance of participating in next year’s automated national and local polls.
“Sa eleksyon, wala kang ihaharap na testigo o ebidensiya para sipain ang mga kandidatong hindi karapat-dapat na tawaging lingkod-bayan,” said a furious registered voter.
“Hindi mo na kailangang mag-demanda sa korte o mag-reklamo sa Civil Service Commission (CSC) para matanggal sa puwesto ang isang tiwaling opisyal,” the voter added.
“On election day, just don’t vote candidates perceived to be corrupt. This is the easiest way to eradicate graft and corruption in the government,” according to another voter.
We share the view of many that it’s high time to use the upcoming elections to punish politicians who continue to make a mockery of the people’s anti-graft crusade.
It’s a move in the right direction.
