In your opinion, is economic progress possible even if excessive corruption exists?

Ryan Pahimulin, Rizal: The US was one of the most corrupt nations, but it eventually became the richest. Any nation can experience corruption but as long as it enjoys peace and allows capitalism, progress is possible.  

Jimmy Donton, Puerto Princesa City: The pace of economic progress might slow down because of corruption, but it does not affect the general business climate in the Philippines where it’s business as usual.  

Progress will still be attainable

Nony de Leon, Bulacan: Economic progress depends mainly on the private sector. If a government has the right economic policies and does not over-regulate business, there will be progress in spite of corruption in government. Of course, it would be better if there were no corruption.  

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: If allegations of excessive corruption are true, that would make our country an exception to the rule, as I can see economic progress onward.  

Nick Ocampo, Angeles City: Even if our country is steeped in excessive corruption, our economy is still seen to make a slow, but, at least for this year, steep climb.  

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: In my opinion, even with excessive corruption, economic progress is still attainable, provided that we have leaders that can gather enough nerve to address it in the manner that it deserves. Failure to confront the issue will result in anemic economic growth and persistent mass poverty. Other Asian economies similarly beset by the same problem of poor governance, corruption, political economy and other circumstances have consistently managed to perform better. Their sharp reductions in poverty are the result of their rapid and sustained growth that can be attributed to sound economic policies with a strong population policy. They increased the share of workers relative to young dependents. In our country, we have a large share of young dependents relative to workers. How can we progress? 2010 is just around the corner. It is now the time to choose a leader with a vision that can benefit the people. We have our brains at our disposal; let’s use them the right direction.  

Next to impossible

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: Yes and no. Yes, if it’s just small-scale corruption. Economic progress is not possible if thwarted by large-scale corruption. How can we possibly move forward when money that should rightfully go to economic recovery only fall into the pockets of government officials? Progress, then, will be limited if it does not totally hit zero.  

Digoy Coro, Batangas: No, how can a country recover economically when the majority of government officials, including the judiciary, are vultures?  

Merlino Quinsay, Ilocos Sur: Close to impossible, but possible.  

Jose Parco, Kalibo Aklan: I think economic progress can still be possible with moderated corruption. Case in point: How about building our roads and bridges according to strict industrial standards? And limit their SOP to just about, say, 20 percent? That’s a lot better than what is being done today. It’s a no-win situation for Juan Dela Cruz.  

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: Economic progress is alien in an atmosphere of excessive corruption. Victims would only end up scouring for their basic needs.  

Josh Pacatang, Dipolog City: It’s unlikely that a country such as the Philippines could progress economically if there’s excessive corruption.  

Felix Ramento, Manila: No, progress is not possible under a corrupt environment. Corruption is evil and it cannot sustain a happy and contented people.  

Ed Alawi, Davao City: Gathering from media exposés, excessive corruption already exists. This makes our economy stagnant. Moderate greed already adversely affects the country’s economy, how much more when it’s excessive greed?  

Rey Onate, Palayan City: Amidst dishonesty, double-talk and insincerity, economic progress is impossible.  

Leonard Villa, Batac City: Not at all. Just look at our country as an example. Due to rampant excessive corruption, economic progress of the Philippines is very elusive and impossible to attain.  

It’s possible

Edgar Artates, Parañaque City: I’m not sure what you mean by excessive corruption. I have read about corruption in some countries like China, for example, but China is still progressive. Perhaps, if a country is very rich, corruption won’t affect its economic progress. But for a country whose income is hand-to-mouth, even minor corruption will badly affect its economy. Come to think of it, how would you explain our economic progress during the corrupt era of Ferdinand Marcos?  

Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City: Why not? Corruption existed during FM’s time. We still progressed. Proof: Imelda was able to pursue her edifice complex, erecting one building after another. She held lavish parties, bought Lindenmere estate, jewelry, shoes, collections, etc. even as Pinoys went hungry. During Erap’s reign, he had his harem, midnight cabinet with Johnnie Walker Blue, Boracay Mansion, etc. PGMA travels often kahit may global crisis; proof ‘yun na may progress kahit na may kaakibat na corruption. Villar became rich even as investors fled RP after Ninoy’s death. Sipag at tiyaga, diskarte lang ‘yun.  

Corruption stagnates the economy

J. Raul Mondonedo Jr., Parañaque City: A “yes” is like shooting for the moon. In reality, where are we right now in terms of economic progress? Down to the lowest part of the totem pole, right? We are still a Third World country. If there were such a thing as a Fourth World country, we could be that. We are No. 1 in corruption. That should answer your question.  

Aldo Apostol, Quezon City: Nope, it’s the law of averages. The more corruption, the less progress. Are we not experiencing this?  

Gil Bangalan, Doha: Corruption is a termite that gnaws at and eats away whatever economic progress a country might achieve. We may have the best policies and economic programs, but if corruption is allowed to thrive, policies and programs remain mere concepts and dreams. Corruption kills transparency and accountability in government. Corruption makes jokes out of law enforcement and justice. This is the reason why our country remains stuck in the quicksand, frustrated in its bid towards real economic development and progress.  

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: No. All forms of corruption could stagnate the economic progress of the country, the growth of fair government, and a vibrant democracy.  

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: Definitely not. Excessive corruption debilitates and paralyzes the economic lifeline of the country.  

Louella Brown, Baguio City: Economic progress is nil if excessive corruption exists.  

Eddie Yap, Kabankalan City: There will be progress for those who are honest and hardworking, but generally, the economic progress of the country will be very slow and stunted if massive corruption exists in practically every area of governance and society.  

Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: No, corruption makes one country walk in a slower pace. If you think a turtle can win a race against a rabbit, you’re reading too many fables.  

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: Economic activities remain even if corruption reduces government efficiency due to lost resources. Thus, progress is still possible, but at a delayed pace.  

Ed Ledesma, Iloilo City: Offhand, I’d say such a country will only reach about 15 to 20 per cent of its real potential.  

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: Let me answer the question with another question. Can we take the wetness out of the water? It would result in stunted growth, like the bonsai!  

They go hand in hand

Rex Earlou Calmerin, Iligan City :There is no doubt that excessive corruption does play a major role in economic stability. It’s part of the game.  

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: Economic progress seems to go hand in hand with excessive corruption. It’s just like fruit flies during harvest season. From China, Nigeria, Haiti, Peru, Nicaragua to the Philippines, corrupt leaders misappropriate billions and billions of dollars from government coffers for their personal gains. The poorer a nation is, the more corrupt their leaders are, like Bangladesh, Nigeria, Haiti, Nicaragua and the Philippines. Progress continues despite this excessive corruption but it undeniably hinders economic growth. It’s amazing how we are able to survive despite Marcos’ estimated $10-billion stash and tens of millions of dollars stolen by subsequent presidents.  

They are strange bedfellows

Erlinda Cenzon, Laguna: Never. Corruption and progress make strange bedfellows. A sheep and a lion may sleep together inside a cave, but the sheep will have a sleepless night.  

Romeo Nabong II, Saudi Arabia: I don’t think it’s possible. There is no developed country in the world that progressed while in the state of rampant corruption. Corruption has become part of the lifestyle of most politicians and government officials in the Philippines nowadays. And if this cancer is not eradicated, then forget about progress.  

Charese Margaret Chua, Bacolod City: I don’t think it is possible since the two are contradictory. You can’t serve both God and mammon. You only choose one and drop the other. The country has lost so much that it requires as much effort in rebuilding it. How can something that leaks grow? The nation, specifically the officials carrying its citizens, must select which side it should feed.  

C.K. Yeo, Iloilo City: Corruption is the antithesis of economic progress, yet its presence is undeniable, especially in developing nations. When there is progress, opportunities to skim money abound. Officials make anywhere between 30 to 100 per cent from infrastructure projects intended for progress. In some places in the province, if the entire fund appropriated to construct some highways are used, cement should be five meters thick but the roads are not even passable during rainy days. Only highways built by foreign firms like Hanjin last a lifetime.  

Corruption negates positive gains

Ishmael Q. Calata, Parañaque City: While I say that economic progress is still possible even if excessive corruption exists, let me bring to you the reality the Philippines is in at the moment. There is no question that excessive corruption exists here, as broadcast, written about and shown in media day in and day out. Is our economy progressing? Definitely! But, shamefully, we are the most notorious economic laggards in this part of the world! As I have always said, cut graft and corruption in our country by just half and you will see real economic progress!  

June Deoferio, Cavite: No, because excessive corruption will bring down the economy. Progress will be jeopardized.  

Sahlee Reyes, Las Piñas City: There would never be real economic progress if excessive corruption exists. Bureaucratic corruption in government flourishes where officials have exclusive control over goods and monopolize decisions as to how to distribute them without having to answer for their actions or thinking they can get away with impunity. Corruption undermines competitive participation: Consider the erring bureaucrat who awards a contract on the basis of bribes, rather than to the best bidder. Policy decisions are put up for sale, rules of fair political and economic conduct go unenforced and powerful figures in each arena can plunder the other. Powerful interests use corrupt influence to protect unlawful advantages, in the process debilitates potential competitors and reformers.  It practically obliterates boundaries between political and economic realms and significantly harms economic development and progress, because investment is disrupted where corruption is high and the predictability of its rewards is low. You see, whatever economic growth we have now is virtually just a fraction of what economic progress we really deserve if corruption had not existed.  

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: No, excessive corruption is a like a termite that eats up the very foundation of economic progress. Thus, GMA’s economic efforts have come to naught.  

Noel Banias, Metro Manila: Whatever economic progress we may achieve will always be negated by rampant corruption in the country. Like termites eating away at the woodwork, corruption will lay to waste any progress made. For progress to be achieved, we have to work hard to minimize corruption. I say minimize because, to be realistic, we cannot eliminate corruption now, not even in the next five years, as it is deeply ingrained in our way of life.  

Dennis Acop, Baguio City: In the scale that a desperately struggling developing country like the Philippines needs to progress, excessive corruption will only undermine that needed progress. For instance, the country needs to shift from being a net importer to a net exporter, hopefully at a very significant level. I do not think that local and multinational companies can actually operate the way they should without undue interference from corrupt government officials who would dip their dirty fingers in entry to regulatory requirements for personal gain. NBN-ZTE deals will be commonplace. Well-meaning investors will be squeezed out, making them turn to other destinations with less or minimal corruption levels. Even local infrastructure needed for economic progress is compromised by corruption, which render these infrastructure either incomplete or of low quality. Examples are our telecommunications and transportation projects. Brain drain, unemployment, and underemployment result from low salaries and non-merit based selection criteria, ultimately impacting on both the quantity and quality of national work output.  

Ruben Viray, Metro Manila: Yes, it’s possible. However it will bring progress down to the minimum or less. Excessive corruption will also weaken the growth of the nation. Corruption, while it cannot be eliminated, has to be contained. Vigilance is probably one way to keep in check or minimize corruption. Transparency also plays a major role, with political will.  

Let’s look at other countries

Ed Gulmatico, Yemen: We don’t need to look far beyond Southeast Asia. Look at Vietnam now  their “agriculture economy” is soaring high in just two decades after long years ravaged by war. We are now a dependent importer of rice from their country. And they are not in the list of corrupt nations. While we, the Filipino people, especially our leaders, even take pride in being recognized as the one corrupt nation in the whole of Asia and, again, one of those for top honors in the whole world.  

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: Other developed and progressive countries are not spared from corruption. The difference is, they practice moderation.  

Corruption dries up government coffers

Benjamin Nillo, Las Piñas City: It’s not possible because excessive corruption would only dry up government coffers. Any hope for economic progress would vanish.  

Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan: How can the Philippines achieve economic progress when corruption in our government is very rampant? We would be wasting a lot of money to kickbacks.  

L.C. Fiel, Quezon City: How’s that possible? Like a leech that sucks blood from its host, excessive corruption not only sucks the lifeblood of the economy, it diminishes the trust and respect of countries helping us through various aid programs or those doing business with us. Worse, we encourage corruption by electing leaders who spend so much during elections and recoup their investments through foul means. Like a vicious cancer that saps vitality, corruption has made us the sick man of Asia.  

Only the corrupt would feel the progress

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: Economic progress is possible, but mainly only for those who are corrupt. You see them displaying unashamedly what they bought with their loot. Too much corruption negates economic progress for the greater majority.  

Cris Rivera, Rizal: It ensures progress not for the nation’s economy, but for the lives of members of corrupt families. We’ve become a faceless nation with a rotten government in the arms of a dead democracy.  

Rose Leobrera, Manila: How could that be possible when every time a politician or someone in position puts money in their pockets, losses are incurred and deducted from the delivery of basic needs to people? Those who benefit are the minority. That is an unfair practice. It’s the very reason why we don’t prosper as a nation. We are like an African country, which is rich in natural resources, yet lagging behind in economy, because its government is infiltrated by pests who get the biggest cut of whatever it is that they can gobble up.  

We do not punish the corrupt

Juan Deveraturda, Subic, Zambales: I’ve said that there is so much corruption, not only in our country, but also in other countries like China, Korea, Vietnam, and mostly in poor African countries. But how come China is now one of the world’s leading superpowers and our country is not? Where lies the difference? The answer, maybe, is that economic prosperity is achievable despite massive corruption in one’s country. But the difference is that in rich countries, like China and Korea, when the big fish is caught in any anomaly or corrupt practices, he is prosecuted, put to jail, and never pardoned. We had our opportunity a few years ago when we convicted Erap for plunder, but we lost it when PGMA pardoned him for political convenience. Sayang!  

Delfin Todcor, Quezon City: Corruption is a form of evil exploitation. It deprives us of justice, economic stability, credibility, and good governance.  

We have to be in it together

Lucas Banzon Madamba II, Laguna: Economic progress is possible even if there is corruption in the country. What will significantly matter is unity. People should continuously unite for the elimination of an unjust cause, like corruption, and for the achievement of a just cause, like prosperity. Without unity, there is no room for economic progress and prosperity.  

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: It’s possible if our leaders can put their heads together for the sake of our citizenry and country.  

Gerry del Cano, Muntinlupa City: Yes, it’s possible because there are still people who value integrity and dignity even if excessive corruption exists.  

Corruption deprives us of basic services

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: Excessive corruption deprives our population of the delivery of quality and on-time basic services.  

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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