Corruption in values: A more serious problem

Now they are talking about another corruption case in relation to the agreement forged by the Philippines with Vietnam and China on the seismic exploration being done in the Spratly group of islands. Oppositionists are raising allegations that President Arroyo sold out the country’s sovereign claim over the Kalayaan Islands. As if the various controversies now using up the time of our lawmakers are not yet enough, a series of new debates and inquiries to solidify impeachment attempts are being floated. It turned out that one of the members of the Opposition who was among those who started this talk was the one who signed this tripartite agreement back in 2004.

The Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU), which is supposed to end this June 2008, intends to “contribute to the transformation of the South China Sea into an area of peace, cooperation and development. It is part of a strategic alliance to promote regional energy security and to lessen the regional dependence on Middle East oil”, as stated by government spokespersons. The Philippine Government’s support to this JMSU is based on the overarching goal of promoting regional energy security and is designed to be scientific in nature. The PNOC has stated that there are, in fact, three trillion cubic feet of oil found in the Spratlys. These deposits are bigger than those in Malampaya, another field in Palawan that produces gas. The good news is we have discovered our own source of oil, whose market price has reached $107 per barrel.

The importance of oil diplomacy among Asian countries was also cited in the agreement, but some are alarmed that the exercise of making a seismic study and exploration for oil may put our claims to the island and its resources at jeopardy. We understand the fears that have been raised surrounding this tripartite agreement and the involvement of powers-now-that-be, China and Vietnam, may endanger and put at risk the territorial claims of the Philippine government to the Spratlys Islands. While maintaining peace and cooperation in the region is an important factor, we agree that of greater importance is our national interest and territorial sovereignty. Lessons from history should make our government more discerning and vigilant.

In the meantime, the issue must not be used to further ill tactics by some to promote their political agenda at the expense of others. If it is a case of corruption against the administration in cahoots with China that we must deal with, let us lay down the facts and the evidence. If it is the issue of territorial protection and risk to our territorial claims, we call for a more incisive and objective analysis of the JMSU tripartite agreement and its pitfalls, not only during the course of implementation, but future risks that may arise from this agreement.

What worries me more is the cycle of corruption I see that erodes the Filipino’s ideals and values. Are we not corrupting the minds of small children when they are brought along by self-righteous NGOs to rallies claiming the benefits to be received are for them and who, based on this, are claiming to promote a cause? Are we not corrupting the minds of women when they are misled to think that they should take a militant stance and should have a dominant role in bringing a certain change in the current system? Are we not corrupting the minds of the youth by inciting them to join rallies staged in their very own campuses and involving them in sensationalizing personalities and issues during the hours they should be spending in the classroom and studying? Are we not corrupting ourselves and our whole being when we allow ourselves to be drawn to endless talk?

We are unknowingly fast creating and perpetuating a culture of corruption and even instilling it in young minds by the actions we take and the words we utter. I think it’s about time we promote a culture of hard work and discipline instead if we are serious in moving this nation to progress.