EDITORIAL - A two-way thing

Here’s a reminder that the problem of corruption is a two-way thing. A survey taken by anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International showed that many Filipinos admit to bribing the police and paying grease money to facilitate transactions in various agencies. TI’s Global Corruption Barometer 2006, based on a survey taken between July and September this year among 59,661 respondents in 62 countries, showed the Philippines in the same bracket as Bolivia, Greece, Mexico and Romania.

The survey showed that the police was the sector most vulnerable to bribery in the Asia-Pacific, followed by registry and permits services, the legal system, medical services, the education system, utilities and tax collection.

The Philippines has consistently ranked low in international surveys on transparency. The problem is so deeply rooted that transparency watchdogs often refer to a "culture of corruption" that permeates all aspects of life and all levels of governance in this country. In certain agencies, even clerks are accused of amassing unexplained wealth.

There is no leadership by example in fighting the problem. Every administration since democracy was restored in 1986 has vowed to eradicate graft, only to be hounded by allegations of corruption involving relatives and cronies of those in power.

Some measures in recent years have paid off, particularly in streamlining operations to cut red tape and plug opportunities for bribery. Still the problem persists. One of the biggest hindrances to eradicating graft and promoting transparency is the country’s failure to punish the corrupt, especially the big fish. But another major hindrance is the attitude of many people, as indicated in the global corruption barometer. Bribing the police and greasing palms to facilitate transactions help perpetuate the culture of corruption. A similar problem bedevils the business community. For many investors, commissions and other forms of payoffs to government officials have been factored into the cost of doing business in this country.

To be fair, the problem is not unique to the Philippines. But most other countries in Asia are dealing decisively with the problem as it becomes evident that transparency, accountability and the rule of law are indispensable in promoting a healthy investment climate and boosting economic growth. The Philippines will have to do better in the battle against graft.