Moral force

The findings of the World Bank on the rigging of bids in the public works projects involving local and foreign contractors are the latest and perhaps the most credible proof that this government is deeply mired in corruption; and that this is no longer a matter of public perception, as it repeatedly claims, but a matter of fact that it covers up, tolerates or cannot solve.

With these latest WB revelations, another inquiry by Congress “in aid of legislation” or another probe by the Ombudsman for the filing of the necessary charges in court or another attempt to clear or insulate the Presidency is not the solution anymore. All sectors, especially this government just have to admit and accept that widespread corruption exists from top to bottom and that it is no longer purely a legal problem. To be sure, more than enough laws have been enacted and so many probes and investigations have been conducted yet corruption has become even more rampant simply because the laws are not properly used or duly enforced. Obviously even the law enforcers, prosecutors and judges have been corrupted.

As Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno correctly analyzed and timely suggested, corruption is already a moral problem calling for the formation of a moral force that would lead to necessary changes in the government. This may be a bitter pill for this government to swallow but it must admit that it is morally bankrupt and seek the assistance of, and cooperate with the people through the moral force that may be formed so that it may ultimately become morally solvent once more. A change of management may even be necessary like in the bankruptcy proceedings of a business concern that has gone broke.

Of course the world of politics and government is different from the world of business so that this analogy is not practicable at all. Indeed political reforms cannot be mandated; neither can it happen overnight especially under our political system where politics of principles have given way to the politics of personality, popularity patronage and dynasty which are the very causes of the present corruption in government.

Moral reformation in government can therefore be achieved by getting rid of the present traditional politicians who consider politics as a means of enrichment and a source of influence and power to protect and enhance self and family interest, and who look at public office as private property transferrable to their heirs.

This is “the time for the moral forces of the country to manifest themselves” according to the Chief Justice. And logically coming to mind right away is the Church which is mainly responsible for our society’s moral and spiritual welfare. But should the church be actively involved in politics?

This question often arises because “Church” is associated only with the clergy, the priest and ministers. Drafting them into public service and asking them to enter the rough and dirty world of politics is indeed highly questionable.

“Church” however actually means the people of God composed of both the clergy and the laity. Hence the moral forces contemplated in this latest call for moral reformation in government and politics are addressed more to the lay members of the Catholic and other Christian Churches.

To be sure, even before this latest appeal of Chief Justice Puno, a group of concerned and still idealistic Filipinos have already decided to form a “moral force” (though not so powerful yet) because of the worsening political situation in our country. While many believe that it is next to impossible to change the well entrenched system now in place, these concerned Filipinos remain undaunted and hopeful that political reforms are possible although they may take a longer time. They are the hardy souls who still believe that the next generation deserves a less corrupt and more efficient government than what we have now. They are the visionaries of our times who refuse to give up on our country and our people despite the seemingly unchangeable and corrupt politics and politicians in our midst by taking up the enormous challenge and seemingly quixotic task of introducing the moral dimension in politics defiled by the trapos and allowed by the people. They would heed what Pope Benedict XVI would later declare in “Deus Caritas Ex” that “The direct duty to work for the just ordering of society is proper to the lay faithful”.

Calling themselves the “Alliance for the Common Good, or the Ang Kapatiran Party” they already participated in the May 2004 elections as a duly accredited political party. Founded by the indefatigable and dauntless advocate of “gun-less society” Nandy Pacheco, AKP is open to all Filipinos, regardless of faith, social and economic status. The party espouses “open-ended platform based politics with clear and specific policy objectives of enhancing the common good and promoting the politics of virtue and duty, as it focuses on moral principles, not political expediency; on the needs of the poor and vulnerable, not those of the rich and the powerful; on the pursuit of the common good, not the demands of special interests; and on the culture of life and peace, not the culture of death and violence”.

Recently, AKP has come up with a “Passport to a New Philippines” intended to “serve as a convenient and trustworthy companion in this troubled world for all Filipinos who want change for the better, and want to find meaning and fulfillment in life by loving God and serving others. The passport serves as a guide to political renewal and stability as it provides basic political education that touches on human life, the dignity of human person, the political community, politics, justice, peace, democracy, truth, separation of church and state, religion and politics”.

Everyone who wishes to see even the tiny sparks of light showing a bright future ahead for our country and giving directions of how to reach it can get this “Passport” at the AKP Headquarters, Cityland Shaw Towers 2706 Mandaluyong City, Telephone 633-o114/929-0145/931-2798/9118793.