"‘The enemy is us.’"
"‘The enemy is us.’"
“Corruption exasperates. It frustrates. It is also exasperating that there are times when I think that perhaps it is blood that we need to cleanse and rinse away the dirt and the muck that stick to the flesh like leeches.”
So said President Rodrigo Duterte in his State of the Nation Address last Monday, July 22. He used the speech to call out the worst cancer afflicting our society, that of the greed of politicians and government officials who use their position to line their pockets.
Corruption in government was the running theme throughout his speech. I don’t know if anyone else noticed it, but it was glaringly obvious that it’s on the President’s mind. He identifies it as one of the greatest constraints to national development, saying that if all monies due government were collected fairly and properly, there would be enough to fund necessary social programs.
“For every transaction, a commission,” he said. “For every action, extortion; and a request that goes on and on—endlessly and shamelessly.”
Duterte called for an end to the corruption that pervades government, saying, “Let me ask you: When will corruption end? Kailan ba talaga ‘to? Hanggang kailan?… It’s the entire gamut of our system.”
Later on in his speech he made a pointed joke, acknowledging that corruption runs up to the highest levels. Talking about if the Big One [earthquake] should come, he quipped, “‘Yan man ang sabi nila. ‘Philippines is so corrupt, it’s so lousy that if you kill all congressmen, senators and the president, we will have a new day.’ [laughter] So I pray that if the earthquake comes, it comes now. This moment. [laughter] Kumpleto na tayo.” If that isn’t an indictment, I don’t know what is.
Duterte also called the “corruption-ridden” Bureau of Customs to task. He floated to Congress the idea of abolishing the positions of 63 BoC personnel “facing charges,” either that or taking steps to prevent them from going to work at the BoC.
Cleaning the BoC is like cleaning the Augean stables, a job for Hercules. Is The Punisher Duterte up to it? Previous presidents have tried and failed, or simply ignored the problem. Let’s hope Duterte is the one to finally reform Customs.
The President also reiterated that government must ensure “our responsiveness to the people’s needs.” He scolded the top five agencies that get the most Contact Center ng Bayan complaints-Land Transportation Office, Social Security System, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Land Registration Authority, and Pag-Ibig.
For the public’s convenience, and also because it’s in the myriad transactions of the people with government that corruption can take place, Duterte told all government bodies, “Simplify.”
He emphasized that their duty is to make transactions easier for the public. “You can do it electronically. You do not have to go to the office….Simplify and make your services responsive to—client-friendly. Your client is the Filipino, our employer—from where the money in our pockets come from, from our salaries.”
He added, “I’ve been asking that from you since three years ago. ‘Pag hindi pa ninyo nagawa ‘yan ngayon, papatayin ko talaga kayo. [applause] Nabubwisit na…” Now that’s something that the long-suffering public can get behind.
The President also asked people to do their part in exposing corrupt officials and their practices, with his support. “Be assertive,” he advised. “Pagka hiningian ka, sabihin mo, “’Tang ina mo. Sabi ni Duterte, the President told us, that if you extort money from me, I will slap you.”
He brushed away qualms by instructing that if a person is required by government to pay more than they should, “Mag-eskandalo kayo sa opisina. Make a scene… At sampalin talaga ninyo. Hindi na bale magkaaway. I will defend you.”
Duterte also implied that he ensures major government transactions are aboveboard. Specifically regarding the entry of the third telecommunications provider, he said “Do not worry about this. There is no corruption at all. I guarantee you, upon the grave of my father.”
While talking about other issues or touting accomplishments in his SONA, Duterte kept returning to the matter of corruption. Right after speaking about poverty reduction efforts, he said he needs the public’s help to curb dishonest and deceitful practices.
He said, “And you know, as I said, corruption is everywhere. You are free to investigate. I don’t take offense. If there is anything wrong in my department, the Executive, you are free to open the investigation anytime. You do not have to call me. Call the idiots, expose them, and send them to jail. You are helping me.”
Duterte’s words on corruption are bleak but honest: “I have identified the enemy who dumped us into this quagmire we are in. I have met the enemy face-to-face and sadly, the enemy is us.”
I may not always agree with the President’s stand or action on issues, but on this I believe he’s spot on. May he continue to call out corruption, reform the unscrupulous, and drive all government agencies to serve the Filipino people as they ought. /FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO
