Senator Manny Pacquiao. Cesar Tomambo/Senate PRIB
MANILA, Philippines — Corruption seems to be contagious that even government employees, not only officials, have become corrupt too.
And this “reality” now saddened Senator Manny Pacquiao.
“Ito ‘yung reality sa bansa natin na talagang masakit sa loob ko na hindi lang ‘yung mga government officials ang mga corrupt, kundi pati ‘yung mga government employees,” Pacquiao said while presiding over Wednesday’s hearing of the Senate committee on public works, which he chairs.
(This is the reality in our country that really pains me; it’s not only government officials who are corrupt but also government employees.)
“Maraming mga government employees ang corrupt na rin, na contaminate na sila sa corruption. So sad to know… na hindi lang ‘yung elected government officials kundi pati ‘yung mga nasa government na corrupt,” he added.
(Many of our government employees are now also corrupt. They were contaminated by corruption. It’s so sad to know that not only the elected government officials are corrupt, but also those who work in government.)
Pacquiao raised the issue of corruption as the committee was deliberating on various bills on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act.
Of all the problems facing the country, the senator said he is more concerned about government contracts, especially the PPP deals that might later turn out to be disadvantageous to the people.
“May mga kontrata na talagang not acceptable to me as a public servant. Ang iniisip ko kasi ‘yung future natin, ‘yung kapakanan ng bayan,” he said.
(There are contracts that are not really acceptable to me as a public servant. Because I’m thinking of our future, the welfare of our citizens.)
Pacquiao called on everyone to report to authorities any corruption in government.
“Kung maari, kung may makita kayong corruption, politician, government officials, huwag niyong ipikit ‘yung mga mata niyo. Tulungan natin ‘yung gobyerno, isumbong niyo agad kahit sa akin o kay President [Rodrigo Duterte] o kanino man,” he said.
(If possible, when you see corruption — whether it involves politicians, government officials — don’t close your eyes. Let’s help the government, report it immediately to me, or to the President or to anyone)
“Tama na ‘yung pagsasamantala sa ating gobyerno. Magtrabaho tayo ng tama,’ he further said, before suspending the hearing.
(Enough with the taking advantage of our government. Let’s work properly.)
RELATED STORY
Pacquiao wants end to corruption, disunity in PH sports