British Anti-Corruption Group: Corruption is barrier to business in the Philippines

The head of the Working Group on Bribery of the United Kingdom's Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Nick van Benschoten says that graft and corruption hinders the economic growth of the Philippines.


When Benschoten visited Manila last week, he says that Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, is a priority region for investment of UK-based companies. He noted that there is a mature legal environment here against graft and corruption. The challenge, says Benschoten, is enforcement. 


He commends private companies, especially British ones, for their ethical business practices here. 


Surely, the anti-corruption stance of the new administration is rubbing off in the private sector. Even in the military, President Noynoy Aquino's "straight road" policy is being seriously implemented by the AFP top brass, says AFP Spokesperson Jose Mabanta.


For the first time in his history, the AFP selection of the new Chief of Staff was done professionally, without any lobbying from any group or politician, says Mabanta. 


Several names were submitted to the President for review, and the President interviewed each one and even gave them an essay examination, as if they are applying for a new job, adds Mabanta.


I hope that, this "straight road" policy rubs off largely in the bloated bureaucracy. Government officials must be reminded of their primary duty--that of service to the country, not to themselves.


President Aquino should not mince words, and should not dilly-dally when it comes to reports of irregularities committed by members of his official family. 


The Public is dead serious on this "straight road" policy. If, for example, a member of the Cabinet commits or has committed a corruption act, that official must be exposed and humiliated before the public, either through firing him from the job or filing cases against him.


Aquino must implement a firm policy against grafters in government. If the public sees this, then, this is one crucial step made in the cause of Justice in the Philippines.


For example, take the case of Executive secretary Paquito Ochoa.


Ochoa declared in his SAL that he's just worth 12 million pesos. Now, there's allegations that Ochoa owns a house built in White Plains, an allegation that he neither straightly denied nor admitted. 


If, for example, Ochoa does not really own the place yet there is even a slightest tinge of doubt or say, anomaly in this, Ochoa must be made to resign. This is done to isolate his act and that of the Noynoy government. 


It is unfair that ordinary citizens follow the straight path when their leaders do not. Ordinary citizens like me, follow the law whereas these government officials do not.


This applies even to a firing range buddy by the name of Virgie Torres. Why cling to her job as LTO chief when there are serious allegations of corruption filed against her by the Department of Justice? Noynoy should immediately implement the suspension order against Torres and should also look for her replacement.


Noynoy Aquino should realize that there is no irreplaceable people in the world.