MANILA, Philippines – Businessmen called yesterday for national transformation and change to counter corruption in government.
In a statement, the Makati Business Club, the Management Association of the Philippines, and the Coalition for National Transformation said: “(Corruption) has become so extensive that the people’s and the world’s trust and confidence in the country and government have been irreparably shattered.”
The three business groups backed five Catholic bishops, led by Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, who called for radical reforms to rebuild the country economically, socially and politically.
“The world has not been oblivious to the culture of corruption in our government that is thriving with near-total impunity as surveys by reputable international agencies have shown,” the statement read.
“The dishonor of being the most corrupt in Asia and one of the worst in the world compels us to join the call for redemption.”
The business groups called on President Arroyo, members of Congress and other political leaders to have the courage to use the remaining 18 months of their terms to do what is right for the nation and the people.
“We call on all other religious leaders, business groups and civil society to close ranks with Archbishop Lagdameo and the good bishops and be part of this movement for change, one that aspires for and results in good government and a just society,” read the statement.
“We can no longer afford to do nothing. In calling for a corruption-free government, change – real change – must come to the Philippines now. Our people, in desperation, can no longer wait.”
The business groups said corruption is bad for business as it worsens poverty, steals from the poor, compromises public order and safety, mocks the rule of law, encourages bureaucratic inefficiency, and destroys society’s moral fabric.
“Despite the many celebrated cases of corruption in high places, who in this government has been held accountable?” read the statement.
“Who has been prosecuted? Who has undergone trial? Who has been jailed? Suspects are, in fact, perceived as being protected and even rewarded.
“We cannot understand government’s inability or refusal to wield its vast powers to prosecute the accused.”
The business groups said corruption has become a moral and social cancer.
“The time for national transformation has arrived which should begin with the people as parents, students, employers, employees, seniors, professionals or public servants,” read the statement.
“Doing right by our conscience, the law, the people and country is a sacred duty whatever our station in life may be.”
The business groups said a commitment to reform requires courage, not only to speak out against wrongdoing, but also to do something about it.
“It is the virtue that makes all other virtues possible,” read the statement.
“It starts with self. And it is only by our courage that we will free ourselves from the shackles of corruption and redeem our honor and dignity.”