Values against corruption

November is observed as Values Month, especially in the Department of Education. And once again school officials, teachers, students as well as their parents participate in activities lined up to stress the importance of values in people’s lives.

While it seems that every stratum of government bureaucracy is mired in corruption, there is glimmering hope that the proper and effective inculcation of values may yet prove to be a strong deterrence in the commission of corruption.

At the onset of the Aquino administration, treading the “daang matuwid” (straight path) became the catchword of the government’s efforts to curb corruption in public service. It also hews to President Aquino’s campaign promise that solving the problem of corruption would be a top priority of his administration.

Aware that curbing corruption is intertwined with poverty alleviation, Mr. Aquino coined the catchy slogan, “Walang mahirap kung walang corrupt.” And true to his election campaign pledge, he spearheaded moves aimed at the much-hoped and long-awaited eradication of corruption in government.

But as time went by, the “daang matuwid” became crooked because of crooks in the President’s circle of officials. One proof of this was the discovery that several of his men were associated, personally and professionally, with the alleged “queen” of the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam. And it seems that people have become cynical and pessimistic that the problem of corruption will ever be solved.

In this situation, let’s be guided by the saying, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” Although stringent laws on corruption, plunder, accountability and other related matters have failed to deter or stop corruption, the proper inculcation of values, ethics and moral principles might be the solution to this long-festering problem. Let’s strengthen the moral fiber so it can resist the temptation of corruption. Let’s think and devise ways and means that will help solve this malady by underlining the essence and importance of scruples, integrity and probity. Values versus corruption. Why not?

—EUSEBIO S. SAN DIEGO,

founder, Kaguro and former president, Quezon City PSTA,

essandiego@ymail.com