One can thus imagine the enormous amount of public fund or government money which flows and changes from one hand to the other. To a certain, but oh well, substantial extent, the government keeps the economy going.
For which reasons, the people involve in the operations of government must be honest and who can be trusted. They must be reliable or competent enough to increase the value of government assets, preserve them, and insure that they are used or utilized for official purposes only and not for personal gain.
It must be emphasized that any person who decides to serve and occupies a public position has entered into a covenant with the people who gives the highest honor upon him - public trust. This simply means that the people, either through an election or appointing authority, has in effect agreed to be served.
The person appointed or elected
has in turn agreed to be transparent in his dealings, whether in relation to his duties or functions, or private affairs. He commits to serve with honesty and integrity. He is obligated to virtually open up his life for the people to see and examine every moment. The only limitation is his right against any kind or form of undue interference in his private life.
Now, how do we determine if indeed a public official or employee is honest and is not making money at our expense or to the prejudice of the government? There are many ways to do this and among which is a lifestyle check. This is the easiest. A government official or employee who receives a salary of about 20 thousand pesos but owns property and lives like a royalty should raise eyebrows particularly when he has no other means of livelihood except his government employment.
Another way is to inspect the statement of assets and liabilities, and net worth of the official or employee. Validate or countercheck its contents with the income tax return filed with the BIR and such other financial or commercial documents such as corporate papers found with the SEC, travel records in the files of Immigration, property registered with the Registers of Deeds, motor vehicles registered with the Land Transportation Office, and even social network accounts primarily Facebook where lifestyles are flaunted and bragged about.
Thus, to prevent or disallow the production or presentation of such public documents in an investigation or proceedings particularly if intended to ascertain and prove that an official or employee has amassed ill gotten wealth. Besides these are public documents.
There are other ways and means but it should be borne in mine that the objectives are clear - to make sure that public funds are not funneled for personal gain and benefit. Citizens and taxpayers must be vigilant and aware of how public funds are spent and to report any misuse thereof.
Plunderers and thieves have no place in our society and much more in public service. They bleed government coffers of hard earned taxpayers money.
Let us unite against graft and corruption!
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