CORRUPTION erodes society. Government funds are diverted instead of being of assistance to the deprived and underprivileged. The same is true with government “red tape.” Therefore, it is important to spot the red flags when transacting with government agencies.
In analogy, what happens when you remove the hinges of a door? The door allows intruders to rob you of what little you have. “How To Cut Government Red Tape,” produced by The Hume Group Inc., gives us some tips to slash recurring incidents in government offices that are tantamount to corruption.
First, compiled tips tell us to put our complaint or request in writing and to be sure to sign it. Then include all relevant identifying information which includes name, address and contact numbers. Outline the problem clearly and concisely, then indicate what steps have been taken.
The compiled tips also tell us what things to avoid: “Do not wait until the last minute. Do not misrepresent or conceal any relevant facts. Do not suggest potential support in exchange for services rendered. Do not write to more than one senator or congressman for your problem.”
Almost all government agencies have the potential for corruption. It may be the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Land Transportation Office, even the National Food Authority and the Department of Education.
What I love about the Hume special report is that it even presents red flags for tax auditors.
“Tax auditors must review thousands of tax returns so their jobs are made easier by systematically looking for the red flags, which are legal, but raise suspicion.” The tax auditors are told to look for exemptions claimed by non-custodial parents, interest payments to individuals and real estate closing-cost deductions, charitable contributions that exceed the 50 percent of the stated adjusted gross income and miscellaneous deductions that are unusual.
The surest tell-tale sign that a government agency can be corrupt is the presence of fixers at the lobby. Another sign is when the processing of your needed document takes longer than usual. The Duterte administration has made efforts to stop government red tape but citizens must do their part of ensuring that there are no enablers.