People’s vigilance against corruption

It is encouraging to note that President Aquino has assured the Filipino people that there will be no letup in the fight against graft and corruption, even as he called upon them to actively participate in the efforts to effect reforms necessary to continue and sustain what has been described as “a momentum of development.”

Eradicating corruption is one of the main goals of the current administration. In fact, it was the top issue that Mr. Aquino kept hammering in the 2010 presidential campaign, to the consternation of his closest political rivals who were vulnerable to charges of gargantuan anomalies.

Indeed, the President and other government officials cannot bring about a corrupt-free society without the support of the citizenry. And since development and poverty alleviation are intertwined with the eradication of corruption, it is incumbent upon the people to help, by whatever means, in ridding government of corruption.

In this regard, well-meaning and good-intentioned individuals, groups, sectors, organizations and institutions must join hands, not lock horns, in the quest for clean public service and good governance. We need people who stand up for principles whatever the cost.

In order to get the kind of government that we rightfully deserve, it is incumbent upon every Filipino to do his or her share in a determined bid to encourage and inspire government officials to tread and follow the straight path (daang matuwid) in leadership and service to the people.

People should be mindful of how the so-called public servants perform their respective duties and responsibilities. Be on guard about how these public servants spend the taxpayers’ money. See to it that they don’t sleep on their jobs, literally and figuratively. Use proper forums or venues—such as newspapers, radio, television and community assemblies—to report and censure their ineptitude, negligence in the performance of their sworn duties and, most especially, any misappropriation and illegal disbursement of public funds.

Remember, we need eternal vigilance to stop ineptitude and corruption in government. Needless to say, President Aquino and his officialdom cannot do it alone. We have to get involved. Now!

—EUSEBIO S. SAN DIEGO

founder, Kaguro,

former president,

Quezon City Public School

Teachers Association

essandiego@ymail.com