CHRISTIAN MORALITY AGAINST CORRUPTION

In today’s current context, Philippines is perceived as one of the most corrupt

countries in the world. Out of 180 countries, our country is ranked 116 as the country being
least corrupt. In other words, our country is almost included to the top one-third as the most
corrupt countries. Before tackling more on corruption, what is corruption really? According
to Transparency International, corruption is defined as the misuse of power or authority for
personal gain, often at the expense of others. Corruption can take many forms, including
bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, and fraud. This means that it occurs when someone who
has been entrusted with power or authority uses that power in a way that is not in the best
interest of their organization or the people they are supposed to be serving. This can include
government officials who accept bribes in exchange for favorable treatment, business leaders
who use their positions to enrich themselves at the expense of their shareholders or
customers, or lawyers who manipulate the legal system for personal gain. One of the most
insidious aspects of corruption is that it often goes unrecognized or unreported. Those who
engage in corrupt behavior often go to great lengths to conceal their actions, and those who
witness corruption may be afraid to report it for fear of retaliation. As a result, corruption can
become deeply entrenched in a society, with those in power using their positions to protect
their own interests rather than serving the greater good.

The Church and secular commentators have subsequently noted some detrimental
outcomes that corruption can have on democratic institutions and societies. The Church stated
that "political corruption is one of the most serious problems because it betrays at once both
moral principles and the norms of social justice. Corruption radically distorts the role of
representative institutions,". As a result, the political field becomes a place where people who
have wealth and influence are prioritized instead of upholding a responsibility and action
towards the common good with a preferential option for the poor (Compendium of the Social
Doctrine of the Church, 411; Pope St. John Paul II, in his Message for World Day of Peace
1999, recognized that "All citizens have the right to participate in the life of their
community... But this right means nothing when the democratic process breaks down because
of corruption and favoritism, which prevent people from benefiting equally from community
assets and services, to which everyone has a right.". In other words, it is important to
recognize that freedom comes with a responsibility to use it in a way that does not infringe
upon the rights of others. This means that citizens should refrain from engaging in behaviors
that may cause harm or offense to others, such as hate speech or discrimination. It is

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 important to remember that every individual has the right to live free from harm and
discrimination, and responsible exercise of freedom requires that we respect and uphold these
fundamental rights. Furthermore, by exercising freedom responsibly, citizens can help
prevent corruption and abuse of power.

The Philippines is currently making efforts to address the ongoing corruption in their
government system. Some concrete examples of these efforts include the 1987 Constitution
of the Philippines Article XI – Accountability of Public Officers and Republic Act No. 3019 –
Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The 1987 Constitution, in sections 1 and 2, emphasizes
that all public officers must be accountable and serve the people with utmost responsibility,
integrity, loyalty, and efficiency. Additionally, all public officers may be removed from office,
impeached, or convicted if they are guilty of violating the Constitution with treason, bribery,
graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust. The Republic Act No.
3019, in sections 3, 4, and 5, specifies practices that make a public officer guilty of
corruption. This Act also outlines the proper decorum of public officers and their limitations
with private individuals and certain relatives. Corruption itself stems from being biased,
which is why the Republic Act No. 3019 emphasizes eliminating biased practices that a
public officer might engage in while in the office.

In order to combat corruption, it is important to first recognize and define it. By

acknowledging that corruption involves the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, we can
begin to develop strategies and policies to prevent and punish corrupt behavior. This may
include measures such as increased transparency, accountability, and oversight, as well as
harsher penalties for those who engage in corrupt activities. Additionally, responsible
exercise of freedom involves not only refraining from causing harm to others but actively
promoting the well-being of others and advocating for policies and practices that benefit
society as a whole. By doing so, citizens can help prevent corruption and abuse of power and
ensure that their freedom is used in a way that upholds the fundamental rights of all
individuals. Ultimately, it is up to all of us to work together to create a society that is free
from corruption. By holding those in power accountable and supporting transparency and
ethical behavior, we can ensure that our institutions and organizations serve the greater good
rather than the interests of a select few.

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 REFERENCES:

Abrea, Raymond A. “A Look at How Corruption Works in the Philippines | Inquirer

Business.” INQUIRER.net, 13 Mar. 2023, business.inquirer.net/390650/a-look-at-
how-corruption-works-in-the-philippines.

Catholic Social Teaching and Political Corruption | Justice and Peace Office.
justiceandpeace.org.au/catholic-social-teaching-and-political-corruption.

Moratalla, Nelson Nogot. “GRAFT AND CORRUPTION: THE PHILIPPINE

EXPERIENCE.” Correct Movement, June 2020, correctphilippines.org/wp-
content/uploads/2020/06/Graft-and-Corruption-in-the-Philippines-2.pdf. Accessed 12
Apr. 2023.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Justice. “1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE

PHILIPPINES (ARTICLE XI) ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS.” Anti-
Graft Laws, Feb. 1987, doj.gov.ph/files/artXI.pdf.

---. “[REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3019] ANTI-GRAFT AND CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT.”
Anti-Graft Laws, Aug. 1970, doj.gov.ph/files/3019.pdf.

Transparency International. “What Is Corruption?” Transparency.org, 10 Aug. 2020,

www.transparency.org/en/what-is-corruption.

University of the Philippines. “Corruption in the Philippines: Framework and Context.”

Center for Integrative and Development Studies, vol. V, Mar. 2022,
cids.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Corruption-in-the-Philippines-vol.5-no.1-
Jan-June-2001-2.pdf.

XXXII World Day for Peace 1999,Respect for Human Rights: The Secret of True Peace |
John Paul II. 13 Dec. 1998, www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-
ii/en/messages/peace/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_14121998_xxxii-world-day-for-
peace.html.

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