Rizal’s legacy: Fighting corruption as a legal, moral, and ethical duty
At a time when public funds are reportedly being siphoned or mismanaged, we must revisit the enduring wisdom of our national hero’s writings to guide our present actions and inspire a renewed sense of civic duty.
Dr. Jose Rizal, through his seminal works, the novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” exposed the systemic corruption and abuses that plagued the Spanish colonial rule. He did not shy away from detailing how personal greed and self-interest often superseded the welfare of the people. The characters and situations he depicted, though set in a different era, eerily mirror the disheartening narratives that emerge from investigations into potential graft and corruption in our contemporary public sector.
The scandal involving flood control projects is particularly poignant. These are initiatives designed to protect our vulnerable citizens from the increasingly severe impacts of climate change and natural disasters. The very idea that such crucial infrastructure projects could be tainted by corruption is not just a financial loss; it is a betrayal of public trust and a direct threat to the lives and livelihoods of countless Filipinos. Rizal, in his passionate pleas for reform, underscored the importance of good governance as a cornerstone for national progress and the well-being of its people.
In “Noli Me Tangere,” Rizal depicted the friars and civil officials enriching themselves at the expense of the common folk, using their positions of power for personal gain. This exploitation fueled resentment and highlighted the urgent need for a system that prioritized public service over private avarice. Similarly, the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for flood control projects suggests a similar disregard for the public good, where the pursuit of illicit wealth overshadows the imperative of protecting our nation from environmental threats.
Rizal’s writings serve as a call to awaken consciousness, to question authority when it deviates from its mandate, and to actively participate in ensuring accountability. The current scandal demands a similarly informed and engaged citizenry, one that is critical of pronouncements and vigilant in demanding transparency and integrity from our public servants.
Rizal’s vision for a progressive Philippines was intrinsically linked to ethical leadership and a populace that was aware of its rights and responsibilities. His essays, such as “The Indolence of the Filipino” and “The Philippines: A Century Hence,” though discussing societal and political conditions, implicitly advocate for competence, efficiency, and a genuine dedication to national development. A lack of transparency and the prevalence of corruption, as suggested by the flood control project investigation, directly impede any genuine progress Rizal envisioned.
Rizal understood that true national progress could only be built on a foundation of integrity and responsible stewardship of public resources. The funds allocated for flood control are not merely budgetary items; they represent the collective will and aspirations of the Filipino people to secure their safety and build resilient communities. The alleged scandal undermines this very foundation, creating a climate of distrust and cynicism that is detrimental to national development.
The legacy of Rizal is a constant reminder that the fight against corruption is not merely a legal or political battle, but a moral and ethical imperative. As we celebrate Rizal Day, let us draw strength and inspiration from Rizal. Let his words serve as a potent reminder of the values that should define our nation and the standards of integrity we must uphold. It is through such introspection and a commitment to the ideals he championed that we can truly honor his memory and build a Philippines that he, and generations of Filipinos, have long dreamed of.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO,
reginaldtamayo@yahoo.com
