BY MATT CHRISTIAN L. NAVARRO
CORRUPTION is, unfortunately, a formidable issue in the Philippines, affecting various levels of government and society. We all want solutions to keep corruption at a minimal level or even at an absolute 0%.
Zamboanga del Norte Representative Khymer Adan Olaso authored House Bill 11211, the Death Penalty for Corruption Act. “Despite the existence of numerous laws aimed at combating graft, malversation, and plunder, the persistence of these crimes suggests that current measures are insufficient to deter public officials from engaging in corrupt practices,” Olaso said.
The problem with this bill is that it is too barbaric in the context of a civilized republic with a constitution prohibiting the death penalty. I do appreciate the fact that Representative Olaso, a high-ranking government official, intends to solve one of our beloved country’s greatest problems.
However, I do not agree with his proposal to legalize the execution of those convicted of corruption.
I believe that corruption is a complex system involving planning, secrecy, and the exchange of money. Scapegoats will be used in order for corrupt officials to maintain their positions and continue to benefit. This is why I do not agree with Representative Olaso’s proposal to add the execution of those convicted of corruption.
Representative Olaso is right about one thing: current measures are insufficient. I completely agree because the data also supports his claim. The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) relies on 13 independent data sources and uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean. The Philippines obtained a score of 33 out of 100.
I strongly encourage the government to modify Representative Olaso’s proposed bill. Instead of the death penalty, the focus should be on strengthening the current measures deemed insufficient.
Yes, I clearly stated that I agree that they are insufficient, which is why I encourage strengthening those measures. To be more specific, the Commission on Audit and the Office of the Ombudsman should be the focus. These two offices are the best tools we have against corruption. Increasing the manpower of these offices will allow more staff to perform the necessary duties. Allocating funds to these offices is also the best way to combat corruption effectively.
Therefore, as a civilized state guided by our constitution, we must refrain from advocating barbaric practices to solve our problems. I am fully aware that corruption is truly frustrating as it can cause numerous problems ranging from distrust of the people in our government to even affecting our economy and, in turn, our livelihoods.
However, the death penalty will only add fuel to the fire. Strengthening our government institutions is the best way to combat corruption, as they will lay down the foundation upon which more anti-corruption measures will be built.
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Matt Christian L. Navarro, a third-year political science student from the University of Cebu-Main Campus.
