The magnitude of corruption

This is a serious piece. So, let me start it with a little humor. This came from a friend, Julian Chua and about how the word Congressman came about.

“In the animal kingdom, a group of lions is called a pride. A group of wolves is a pack. A group of sheep is a herd. That of the fish is called a school, that of birds is called a flock, and that of ants is called a colony.

“But a group of baboons is called congress. Of the animals mentioned, only the baboons resemble man, particularly the politicians, physically and mentally. Now, you know the story.”

We go back to the lighter side at the end. But, don't cheat. Finish first on what I have to say before going to the last paragraphs.

* * *

Why are our people not angered by corruption, the stealing of public funds with impunity is because many of us have not realized the magnitude of our money being stolen. As revealed in the Senate investigation, there is corruption from Malacañang down to the barangays.

Our country is very poor, people wallow in poverty. And the cause is money intended for projects and to meet basic services are stolen by government officials. And there seems no way of stopping it, everybody reasoning, others are doing it too.

Our per capita income is 1,4000 annually in dollars. Hong Kong has 20 times ours, Singapore has something like 35 times. The U.S. has $48,000; Britain has $47,000, Japan I think has more and so with other Scandinavian countries.

* * *

We live in turbulent times. I am not in favor that President Arroyo steps down because I dread the consequences of an unconstitutional takeover.

We drove Marcos out of office. Corruption was not solved. We drove again another president Estrada out and jailed him. The result is worse.

What we need is not a change of leaders but a change in us. But this can be done only with the President leading us and providing the change. She should not listen to her minions who are just after their perks and privileges. In the end, it will be she who will face the verdict and suffer for everything.

* * *

In January 1949, 59 years ago, a conference in Malacañang was held where Senate President Jose Avelino was accused of tax evasion. He justified his acts asking “Somos no angeles.” (We are not angels.) At that time officials were more at home in Spanish than in English.

Avelino did not know there was a newspaperman eavesdropping.

One asked, “Por eso, somos demonios?” (Therefore, are we devils?) No one denied except President Elpidio Qurino who was presiding. “I am no saint either…. But when public opinion demands an investigation we have to go through the formality of doing one.”

Avelino was investigated by his peer, found guilty, and suspended for one year. The public calmed down.

In the forefront of the campaign was media. It destroyed the political kingpin of Samar , Jose Avelino. He was never heard from. A few years ago, a three-paragraph news in an inside page said, former Senate President Jose Avelino died at the age of 104 in Romblon taken cared of by his children and grandchildren who left Samar, disgraced!

* * *

History is more cruel than the courts. Its verdict is carried through the generations. The stigma sticks forever.

I hope and pray that the President with the First Gentleman, in the stillness of the night in their bedroom they contemplate on all the ephemeral glory and the passing power which only intoxicate.

The President must act now. She still has two years until the next election and she can do something. There is now a growing awareness among our people on how they have cheated.

When this anger is unleashed, I can just imagine the consequences. When the storm of protests reach a certain level that will be beyond control, it will be bad for the President.

I feel a closeness with the President and the First Gentleman because of their being nice. But above and beyond this personal goodwill is our own obligation to our readers.

We must all help the President, especially those who are close to her to convince her to do something to stop this hemorrhaging of the country.

If nothing is done, this corruption will be carried out in the next administration. And what we are afraid is the possibility of an armed revolution.

Government leaders cannot gather all the money to buy out soldiers, police, and public officials. They will also become greedy at some point, they cannot be satisfied any more.

* * *

As promised I would end this with a little joke shared to me by a friend, Nilo. “Three contractors were asked to quote for the repair of the Malacañang Gate. A Chinese contractor, said, he charged $900, $500 for labor, $300 for materials, and $100 for him.

“An American said he will charge $700, $400 for labor, $200 for materials, and $100 for him.

“A Pinoy charged, $2,700. Malacañang asked, why so expensive? Pinoy answered, $1,000 for me, $1,000 for you. And $700 I give to the American who will do the job.”*

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