Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Millan: Simple successes and small strides By Taipan Millan One Small Voice
SCANDALS and controversies are hounding our government from all sides and on all fronts. Almost all transactions are now suspect.
The presumption of innocence, or the regularity of official functions, is now being threatened to lose its esteemed status. Legally, though, the presumption still remains. Morally, however, it has already lost its meaning.
First, there is the corruption angle, where somebody from the government has been bribed.
Second, there is the damage angle, where the government and the people are injured directly or indirectly.
Third, there is the economic angle, where the government loses money on the deal, because funds go to the pockets of individuals; or the people becomes obligated to pay a loan they neither need nor want, because the government gives a sovereign guarantee for a losing proposition.
Fourth, there is the diplomacy angle, where contracts with foreign governments or with foreign private companies are unilaterally cancelled or unilaterally suspended with or without their fault and in stark violation of the provisions of the contract they entered into.
Fifth, there is the cultural angle, where everybody is made to believe that corruption is standard and normal and already an integral part of our way of life, not something highly reprehensible or utterly disgusting.
The solution is nothing but easy. Many have tried and attempted and most have failed and faltered. Below is yet another try at maybe, just maybe, starting another attempt, or at least beginning the long process of a final solution. The plan involves BIG HIT.
Build a government whose foundations are grounded on honesty, integrity and transparency.
Initiate reforms that would rectify the errors and correct the mistakes within the bureaucracy.
Generate widespread support from those in the public sector as well as those in the private sector.
Help uplift the quality of life of the people through efficient and effective systems and procedures and consistent, competent and committed service.
Institutionalize the changes that have been implemented and enforced to ensure continuity and sustainability.
Transform society into a clean, graft-free and incorruptible community.
As part of research and documentation, the following shall be undertaken: examine the root causes of corruption in the government; scrutinize the various ways and means by which corruption is being committed; investigate cases of corruption in the country; study the different laws, rules and regulations governing graft and corrupt practices; and produce a database of government institutions, private establishments and NGO's and PO's engaged in the fight against corruption.
As part of information dissemination, the following shall be undertaken: conduct a regular media forum to expose the corruption in the government; issue regular press releases to report graft and corrupt practices and to reveal the names and positions of the officials and employees who are involved; and distribute brochures and pamphlets containing information regarding corruption in the government.
As part of advocacy, the following shall be undertaken: launch a massive campaign against corruption in the government; coordinate efforts with those from the public sector and those in the private sector; pressure the executive branch to exercise strong political will in the war against corruption; lobby for legislative measures aimed at curbing corruption in the government; and push the judiciary to expedite the resolution of cases involving graft and corrupt practices.
Same dog, different collar? Again, maybe. But we have to keep on trying until we succeed. And we have to keep on attempting even if all that we get for now are simple successes and small strides.
Comments are most welcome. Please send them to attytaipanmillan@gmail.com.
(Mr. Millan is a practicing lawyer.-The editors)
