EDITORIAL - The civil service turns 101

Presidents and other elective officials come and go, but most of the civil servants under them remain in government service until the mandatory retirement age. Unless civil servants commit offenses that warrant dismissal, they can be in government for as long as allowed by law, in charge of the delivery of public services for decades. If they happen to be lazy, rude, slow or stupid, they won’t be violating any law and the public is stuck with them for a lifetime.

It is no coincidence that the most successful Asian countries are known for their highly efficient and professional bureaucracies. Unfortunately for the Philippines, its bureaucracy is hardly known for efficiency or professionalism. Every administration in this country has tried to cut red tape and reduce corruption, but progress has been disappointing. One problem could be the low pay in government service. It is also no coincidence that the most efficient bureaucracies in Asia are also the highest paid. Low sa-lary, however, is a problem that bedevils all sectors in this developing country. Low pay cannot be used as an excuse for inefficiency and corruption.

Another problem is the perception that national and local government officials themselves are corrupt. If the top officials of a revenue-generating office, for example, are known to be corrupt, how can they demand ho-nesty and efficiency from the workers in their agency? If even Philippine presidents are accused of corruption, how can reforms be implemented in the civil service?

Reforms, however, are possible from within. A professional bureaucracy can serve as a foil against corrupt national leaders and elective officials. The nation is in the middle of Civil Service Month. This is a good time to assess the performance of the civil service and address the problems that are hindering its professionalization. Most Filipinos have had unpleasant experiences in dealing with public servants, and many will agree that the bureaucracy needs a major overhaul.

We are in a new millennium. A professional bureaucracy is crucial for the nation to attract investments, compete in the global economy and survive. As the Philippine civil service marks its 101st year this month, it should be capable of facing the challenges of a rapidly changing world.