Saturday, August 21, 2004 Millan: Miracle medicine By Atty. Taipan Millan
'It is beyond anybody's explanation why we deserve such an enormous amount simply by losing $48 billion in graft and corruption in the last 20 years according to data provided by the United Nations Development Program.'
THE 4th most corrupt country in the world, according to a study made by Transparency International, has just been awarded big time. The European
Union has decided to give the Philippines an anti-corruption package worth a whopping 5.6 million euro or P383.5 million.
In fact, this is merely a part of a larger "good governance program" fund amounting to a gargantuan 63 million euro or P4.7 billion to be used up for a 3-year period between 2004-2006.
It is beyond anybody's explanation why we deserve such an enormous amount simply by losing $48 billion in graft and corruption in the last 20 years according to data provided by the United Nations Development Program.
Perhaps it is well worth the expected gain to avoid the larger loss at present and in the future. Maybe it is indirectly if not directly beneficial for the whole world and particularly to the members of the European Union if our country becomes dramatically less corrupt.
Whatever their reasons for giving us the money, the more important thing is that we use it in accordance with what it is intended for - against graft and corruption. It should not be victimized by the very thing it is supposed to prevent or eradicate.
According to the package, the grant includes the provision of hi-tech equipment for speedy investigation and reliable gathering of evidence in criminal cases. Among these hi-tech devices is a kind of state-of-the-art video camera unit that shall be installed in all government offices to monitor the activities of officials and employees and detect under-the-table transactions.
These hi-tech devices should be used properly and not abused indiscriminately. It shall only be utilized for legitimate monitoring and investigation purposes and not for harassment, intimidation and blackmail of political foes.
To start with, the purchase of these hi-tech equipments should be free from overpricing and kickbacks. It would be the height of ingratitude if such purchases were marred by graft and corruption.
In addition, control over the videotapes or compact discs shall be given only to those who are competent, responsible and beyond reproach. This may prove to be the most difficult component of the operation but there is no other choice if we are to weed the government of thieves.
And since the European Union has shown great interest in the fight against graft and corruption in the country, it may well also provide the funding for rewards of whistleblowers.
Senator Mar Roxas filed a bill that intends to curb graft and corruption in government by giving rewards to all those who will spill the beans on anomalous transactions.
Whether or not it shall be subtracted from the P4.7 billion "good governance program" package is for the European Union to decide. What is important is that they see the wisdom behind the award of such rewards and find enough impetus for them to finance such rewards system.
Again, this fund shall be used properly and not merely to unjustly enrich anybody who points accusing fingers. Only those whose information is crucial for the apprehension and conviction of crooks should get the prize.
Graft and corruption is like a disease with no absolute cure. We just have to be patient and persistent in trying all sorts of possible cures. In due time will come the discovery of the miracle medicine. Comments are most welcome. Please send them to abogadoparasabayan@justice.com.
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