Root causes of graft & corruption

BREAKTHROUGH

- ELFREN S. CRUZ

It is a well-known historical fact that before the Marcos martial law dictatorship, the Philippines was the second wealthiest country in Asia, next only to Japan. Today, we have fallen behind nations like South Korea, Taiwan, and China, and even Southeast Asian neighbors like Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

We are a naturally rich country in resources. Our people are among the most competent, as evidenced by the high demand for Filipino skilled workers and professionals in the Middle East, United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, and other advanced nations.

Where did it all go wrong? The main reason is that we are now one of the most corrupt societies in this part of the world. I am not saying that corruption is a uniquely Filipino trait, as suggested by some.

Corruption has existed for as long as governance itself. In ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, there are documented instances of corrupt practices. In medieval Europe, corruption was rampant in both religious and secular institutions. The Catholic Church has been accused of corruption as far back as the medieval period.