Villarin: Graft begins at home

CEBU, Philippines - Congressional Candidate for the north district Flor Villarin says that the cause of graft and corruption starts at home.

In a forum held at the Baseline Restaurant in Escario yesterday, Villarin said that corruption starts in the illusion of morality of a person thus, he or she must be well-guided by his or her parents. 

He added that a candidate as a person must develop his or her moral character.

The congressional aspirant said that a person must be molded or taught good manners and right conduct by the parents so that he or she will not commit graft and corruption especially if he or she is into politics.

He added that if a certain person commits a crime, he or she lacks parental guidance and that he or she still needs to shape his or her moral character. 

Adding to that, he also said that children must be well-educated and at the same time be guided by their parents so that they will be led away from committing any violation of the law.

Villarin also said that 40 percent of tax revenues in the country go to corruption which leads to poverty and it must be stopped.

Aside from that, projects that need funding will also be well supported by the government.

Meanwhile, when asked if what will be his moves about the dilemma of morality that breeds graft and corruption if he will be elected, he said that he will sponsor a bill that would include responsible parenting particularly about ethical values as a subject to be included in the curriculum of the public and private schools.

“By the time, we shall have developed a strong moral character of our children, only then we can have honest leaders to eradicate graft and corruption in the government. Indeed, a morally strong family, as a basic institution, is the bedrock of a strong nation,” Villarin stressed.

He also said he wants to be a part of the Committees on Basic Education and Culture, Good Government and Public Accountability, Dangerous Drugs, Constitutional Amendments and Civil Service and Professional Regulation since he is knowledgeable in these fields based on his experience. — Sheila Marie Catacutan and Chessa Elaine Antipuesto, NORSU interns/BRP