Corrupt leaders breed corrupt subordinates
The President, Vice President, senators, congressmen, political dynasties, down to barangay officials compose roughly less than 1 percent of the Philippine population. They control the 99+ percent of Filipinos through patronage politics, powered by our stolen taxes. It is the same formula for almost 59 years since Dec. 30, 1965. It only varies in intensity and depth of greed, using the template called kleptocracy and legalized plunder.
Among other ways, our politicians make easy money by importing agricultural products. Do you remember the onion imports? The importation of agricultural products is cornered by our politicians. And they make a killing every time agricultural products come from foreign lands. Some 11 months ago, I had a first-hand briefing on this onion import corruption from one of my former managers many years ago, who now heads a top position in a food company. They have no mercy, even if the consumers and our farmers are very much adversely affected.
Yesterday, a Philippine National Police officer in the active service informed me that corruption is worse now in the PNP. How true it is, I do not know.
The reality is, if our top leaders steal, the rest down to the lowest government employees are likewise emboldened to steal. Corrupt leaders breed corrupt subordinates.
Worse, stolen taxes are deposited in foreign banks and/or used to purchase real estate and shares of stocks in the United States and other countries. To have more government funds, they just sold part of our gold reserves.
Most of our leaders have little or no love at all for our God, country, and people!
It is hopeless!
Our Lord and God in heaven, please guide us toward the path of righteousness and help us discard our evil ways.
Hector Tarrazona,
tarrazonahector@yahoo.com