Open doors to corruption

In reaction to Arnulfo Edralin’s “Hello, anybody home?” (“‘Stupid’ government rules,” Letters, 10/15/18), he should already know by now that practically the entire bureaucracy in this country is run by incompetents who are so fond of making rules and regulations that only make things difficult for citizens to comply — and that all open doors to corruption.

Despite President Duterte’s warnings about unnecessary or redundant requirements for permits, licenses or what have you, the practice has been so entrenched that bureaucrats are simply averse to simplifying procedures that may result in the diminution of their “extra income.”

Take the case of some city halls in Metro Manila. Before they issue any tax clearance for the purpose of selling real estate, the owner has to produce tax receipts dating as far back as 30 years.

More recent tax receipts covering some five or 10 years are just not good enough. And the fact of the matter is, their tax records are really such a mess. But if the owner really needs to sell his property faster and without such hassle, it can be done if the price is right!

What is the Department of the Interior and Local Government doing about this? Is it not supposed to monitor and help the public watch out for any idiotic requirements imposed by the local government units?

And while at this, what the heck is the Department of Foreign Affairs doing about the long lines of passport applicants outside its office along Macapagal Avenue and under the boiling heat of the sun?

Walang budget to set up tent shelters, but so much money to squander on useless foreign travels? Mahiya naman sana kayo!

DINO M. CAPISTRANO, [email protected]