Its actually been a while since I have written an editorial and mind, I'm not really into editorial writing because I am more of a feature writer. But an assignment for my Intro. to Public Administration subject stirred my somewhat sleepy brain and in the course of an hour I was able to make this article.
Honest to goodness opinion, I'm not really pleased with it . Oh yeah, its good - but not that good. I know I could put in a lot more information but I choose not to. Anyway, I think I will be scribbling more of these in the near future. Enjoy!
Is Aquino’s move to run
after the corrupt officials encourage public administrators to not be corrupt?
When Benigno
Simeon C. Aquino became the 15th president of the Republic of the
Philippines, his first act was to release EO Number 1, creating a Truth
Commission that will investigate reported cases of graft and corruption during
the previous administration, namely, that of former president Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo.
Pnoy’s
intention became clear from the start that he wants to swipe clean the
government. He doesn’t want anything to do with stealing and lying and using
the government’s resources for selfish gain.
The people
applauded him but those with power and position became apprehensive and
doubtful. A lot of protests were made that it was unconstitutional and below
the belt as it was singling out the Arroyo administration and not any of the
other past administrations.
But the
investigating and the cleaning took place and a lot more EOs were issued to the
surprise of many public servants. But did it minimize corruption or at least
encourage those in the government to not be corrupt?
While it is
hard to determine yet whether in general it did stop or at least minimize
corruption, to some extent, it did awaken fear and caution to those in
position. Cunning and slyness became the name of the game and if one is not
careful with his extracurricular activities, he could easily be in for a lot of
trouble; or he could just kill himself of course and have done with it.
With former
Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes and DBP lawyer Benjamin Pinpin as examples of
those who chose to get out of the quagmire instead than face the consequences
of their actions, it is not difficult to guess then that others are now already
trying to swipe clean their slate so as not to be found out.
Although there
are really quite a number who are brave and daring and live by the motto hiding
in plain sight, nevertheless, that number hopefully is diminishing and their
hearts skipping beats once in a while.