Anatomy of Graft and Corruption in the Philippines: Its implication to good governance

The rule of law alone cannot ensure an effective system for good governance and for countering graft and corruption, because the very same public officials who write, enact, enforce and interpret the law, may employ their authority to place themselves beyond its governance.  Hence, upon identifying the root cause of graft and corruption in the Philippines, a proposal can be made to provide greater institutional restraints and a system of accountability that will hold public officials to the same laws that apply to the rest of the populace.  

There is finding in non-compliance with the rule of law resulting to the encouragement of graft and corruption.   This creates a weak impression of the competency of the legal profession in fighting graft and corruption.   There is also a high probability that the root causes of graft and corruption in the Philippines stem from electing the wrong public officials (President, Vice President, Senate, House of Representatives, LGU).  It can be inferred that there is a need to review the country’s unitary presidential form of government where a free and open party system is allowed.    Federalism for the Philippines is a viable solution towards effective governance.  However, federalizing the Philippines is not the only solution to minimize or eradicate graft corruption.  There must be a myriad of laws that need to be enacted and for some good existing laws to be enforced correctly to support federalism.  

For instance, there is a need to provide more stringent lifestyle checks on all public officials.    Transparency policies on government projects and expenditures must be clearer and implemented properly.   Disclosure of public officials’ lifestyle information and use of government funds must be easily accessible to the public.  Political turncoatism must be prohibited to strengthen political parties.   Political dynasty must be prohibited as mandated by the constitution.  Stringent penalties on plunder and graft cases must be enacted and strictly enforced.   Extensive voter education programs at the grassroots level should be institutionalized.     Salaries for government employees must be increased to discourage them from committing graft and corruption.

Moreover, it is important to have credible and knowledgeable lawyers, lawmakers and law enforcers taking the lead in upholding the rule of law.