written by Irenerose Susi
It is very sad that, out of 180 countries, the Philippines has been ranked 141st most corrupt by the anti-corruption group Transparency International, and very disappointing because it is behind most of our Southeast Asian neighbors. And worst, the Philippines fell 10 ranks lower compared to last year. More than the ratings game, the ranking, actually, is a measure of how the government is curbing corruption. In short, there is still no control of corruption in our country.
It is very sad that, out of 180 countries, the Philippines has been ranked 141st most corrupt by the anti-corruption group Transparency International, and very disappointing because it is behind most of our Southeast Asian neighbors. And worst, the Philippines fell 10 ranks lower compared to last year. More than the ratings game, the ranking, actually, is a measure of how the government is curbing corruption. In short, there is still no control of corruption in our country.
They say corruption has become institutionalized in the Filipinos. From the smallest Barangay Hall, the tentacles of corruption have crept into the Presidential Palace. Added to this are the major scandals brought by the aborted broadband deal with ZTE and the fertilizer scam. These, and the perceptions of the many businessmen, prompted the TI to declare the Philippines as such.
Why is controlling or at least limiting corruption important? Because it is good for the economy. Take for example Singapore. It is, by no means, plain luck that Singapore is ranked as one of the most prosperous countries. This is because they have good governance, with almost zero corruption. This environment is conducive to more foreign and national investments.
What can the government do to limit corruption? Shorten or minimize red tapes. Provide ease in starting businesses. It takes only a week to secure a business permit and start a business venture in Singapore, compared to the two months here in the Philippines. The government should address red tapes and stimulate business climate. The longer the red tapes, the more corrupt people you meet. This set-up discourages investors from pursuing businesses.
It takes a bucketful of political will to punish perpetrators of corruption. Prosecuting a small fry results in eradicating a small section of corruption. What is disheartening is it is accused of cuddling and protecting plunderers, close to the powerful. If the government is sincere in eradicating corruption, heads should roll.
And lastly, institute and implement reforms to invite investors: reforms such as enforcement of contracts, employment of workers, protection of investors, and payment of taxes.
The results of the different groups against corruption may be a bitter pill to swallow. But it opens our eyes to the fact that corruption retards economy. And if it heals …we would rather swallow it.
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