The Aquino administration is fully determined in its efforts to weed out and control the further proliferation of corruption in this country. It's rallying cry of "tuwid na daan" has been proven to be a serious commitment and not a mere lip service. The government has shown that it means business and would not hesitate to run after those who are suspected, reported or would appear to have amassed ill-gotten wealth or may have used government resources for personal gain.
There is really no quarrel about this goal. It is fully supported by the Filipino people.
But as the saying goes, "it takes two to tango". This means that unless the private sector or the general public will continue to encourage or allow graft and corruption in their day-to-day lives, then the country is trapped in a vicious cycle where solutions to problems are mere icings.
If it is expected that there will be some headway or success in these efforts in the pursuance of good governance, and against graft and corruption, then the people must do their part, not as a passive and indifferent observers but as proactive and concerned citizens.
While it is true that there will be demands for due process, issues involving human rights and questions on other legal controversies, the fact remains that as long as laws are not violated and the rights of those concerned are respected, then our government is on the right track along the "tuwid na daan".
The popularity of President Aquino remains high – so incredibly high in fact for a long period of time already. He has a unique style of leadership and most importantly, he is not corrupt. The military establishment and law enforcement agencies are loyal to him as Commander-in-Chief.
He knows his priorities well, which his predecessors failed to do – and that is, the annihilation of graft and corruption in our country. This may be an ambitious goal. Some would say he is dreaming. But look, with all the events unfolding around us, it is not a mere dream, it is not a joke, it is for real.
Others may disagree with this position. However, ask yourself this question – is there a better alternative? President Aquino was voted overwhelmingly to serve as such. He is doing his job. If he is not doing well, or he has been remiss in his duties as President, it is too early to judge him.
What is being done at this time is to comply with a mandate – CHANGE. This is the most difficult part or component of any program of government. Why? Obviously, people will be investigated, prosecuted and eventually convicted, or acquitted, or pardoned. A rotten system will be replaced by a new one, a system which is clean, pure and in a way – exorcised!
As the late Sen. Ninoy Aquino has said in one of his privilege speeches in Congress and even in his speeches while on exile, SO BE IT.
- A Concerned Citizen
