Lifestyle check

President Bongbong Marcos declared that the next step in the fight against graft and corruption is to institute a lifestyle check on all government officials, beginning with the Department of Public Works and Highways.

- ELFREN S. CRUZ

The Philippines has long been infested with corruption in both the public and private sectors. Transparency International has consistently ranked our country in the lower tiers of its Corruption Perception Index.

Lifestyle checks aim to identify individuals, especially public officials and those dealing with the government, whose wealth, properties and living standards are grossly disproportionate to their regular income. A lifestyle check is an investigative tool used to determine whether an individual's standard of living is consistent with their declared income and assets. It is primarily applied to government officials, public servants or individuals in positions of power. It involves analyzing financial records, properties, vehicles, travel history and other indicators of wealth.

By evaluating whether an individual's assets, expenditures and standard of living matches their legitimate source of income, watchdog organizations can identify potential illicit enrichment. If done properly, it can promote integrity and transparency and serve as checks against corruption and encourage officials to remain honest and accountable. By comparing an individual's declared income with their actual lifestyle, authorities can identify discrepancies that may indicate illicit activities or undeclared earnings. When it is properly implemented, it can demonstrate the government's commitment to ethical leadership by helping to rebuild trust among citizens. This can also reinforce legal and ethical standards in public service, discouraging the misuse of public resources.