By Atty. Howie Calleja
The recent cases of Vietnamese property tycoon Truong My Lan and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra serve as stark reminders of the different approaches countries take in combating corruption. While Vietnam ruthlessly prosecutes and Thailand swiftly removes corrupt officials, the Philippines seems perpetually stuck in a cycle of investigation, debate, and ultimately, inaction. Why can’t we, like our neighbors, effectively hold accountable those who betray the public trust?
The case of Truong My Lan, facing a death sentence for embezzling billions from Saigon Commercial Bank, is a jarring example of a nation willing to impose severe penalties for corruption. While the ethics of capital punishment are a separate debate, the case demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment to punishing high-level financial crime. Even the possibility of commutation hinges on Lan returning a significant portion of the stolen funds, highlighting the state’s focus on restitution and accountability. Contrast this with Thailand, where Paetongtarn Shinawatra was swiftly removed from her position due to ethical violations stemming from a leaked phone call. Although the circumstances differ, the swiftness of the Constitutional Court’s decision and the subsequent political maneuvering to form a new government demonstrate a system that, at least in this instance, acted decisively against perceived misconduct.
In the Philippines, however, the fight against corruption often feels like a Sisyphean task. We see instances of small-scale corruption being prosecuted, while those accused of grand corruption – stealing millions, if not billions – often evade justice, even getting elected into positions of power. It’s a frustrating reality of sending small fry to jail while those who steal millions get voted and elected. This highlights a critical issue: a culture that, despite widespread condemnation of corruption, often tolerates it in practice. The stalled impeachment case and the endless investigations into “ghost projects” are emblematic of this paralysis. While evidence may surface, political will and the necessary reforms to convict corrupt officials remain elusive. We seem trapped in a cycle of endless investigations and debates, while the stolen funds remain unrecovered and the perpetrators unpunished. The current protest actions in Indonesia, where citizens are taking to the streets to decry corruption and demand greater government accountability, further underscore the growing regional discontent with corrupt practices. These demonstrations serve as a powerful reminder that public outrage, when channeled effectively, can pressure governments to act.
Several factors contribute to this Philippine paradox. A culture of impunity allows the powerful to operate with a sense of invincibility, knowing that their connections and resources can shield them from accountability. Often, the benefits and luxurious lifestyles funded by the corruption of parents are flaunted with impunity. Weak institutions, meant to combat corruption, such as the judiciary and the anti-graft agencies, are often perceived as weak, underfunded, and vulnerable to political influence. The system of laws and processes that have been designed to deliver justice are often taken advantage of. A genuine commitment from political leaders to prioritize and actively combat corruption is frequently lacking. This essay calls for action today and accountability now. Finally, the repeated failures to hold corrupt officials accountable erode public trust in the government and the justice system, creating a sense of hopelessness and resignation.
If Vietnam, Thailand, and even Indonesia through its protests, can take steps, whether drastic or incremental, to address corruption, why can’t the Philippines? The answer, it seems, lies in addressing the deeply ingrained cultural and systemic issues that perpetuate corruption and hinder accountability. We need to create a society where corruption is truly the “highest crime,” where those who benefit from it are not glorified or supported, and where institutions are empowered to act independently and effectively. We must demand certainty of conviction, the imprisonment of corrupt officials and their conspirators, and the restitution of stolen wealth. The time for stalling and debating is over. The time for action is now.