Disqualify political candidates with criminal records
ONCE again, a national election is forthcoming. Every six years, we stand witness to a Philippine phenomenon that seemingly defies logic.
Our country stands out as one of few remaining democratic countries that allow citizens with proven criminal records to run for responsible government positions or politicians inside jail cells to vie for key national or local government positions.
This dissertation is an opportunity to raise the spirit of righteousness and integrity among us Filipinos; and ultimately, for the national government to pass a law to disqualify candidates with proven criminal records or those who have already been convicted. Amending election laws might take forever and a day, but the first steps must be made now.
Let us take the case of the crime against Filipinos with government officials plundering coffers, such as those from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (or PDAF, a discretionary fund available to members of the Congress).
As a case in point, a successful plunder of PDAF requires a web of connivers from both within government institutions and private entities as part of the chain of corruption.
Ironically, no one has been convicted.
In addition, not one sentence, paragraph or even allusions are mentioned within the law related to Section 11 of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees to file SALN or Statement of Assets and Liabilities Net Worth) directly mentioning criminal acts such as plunder or having been proven with criminal records. Not one section includes clauses to disbar, unseat or bar anyone entry into any elective position should the candidate have tarnished integrity, despite cries for ethical standards.
Today, an array of dark characters—like convicted (or awaiting conviction) government, military leaders or convicted murderers, kidnappers, rapists—managed to file their Certificate of Candidacy (or COC), and their applications were accepted.
To some degree, we are blessed with ombudsmen, who have the authority to ban public officials from holding public office, even if there is no court conviction.
We all stand witness to decades of plundered wealth being used as capital funds to support the second generation.
I take the position that the second generation whose forefathers are found guilty of plunder should not be allowed to run for government positions.
It is quite obvious that winning popular votes would require significant amount of capital funds.
A situation like this easily invites these 2nd generation wannabes to dig into their forefathers’ coffers of plundered wealth.
Such being the case, I take even strongly the position to bar these children of the next generation, perhaps over the next 50 years.
When Comelec is able to implement this, the lifeline of the web of corruption is cut off.
Placing a ban on politicians with criminal records from contesting elections is not against their rights.
After all, a convicted criminal has forfeited, by his/her offense, the right to lead Filipinos.
In the private sector, business practices require persons with good character and exemplary leadership skills to take on the helm of any organization, devoid of criminal records as a condition precedent.
The scenario would then be one private organization leader overseeing, say 100 to 1,000 employees, managing millions of investment funds.
While in the government scenario, one leader oversees millions of populace with billions of pesos at his discretion.
The more reason we need government leaders with a higher degree of integrity and sense of righteousness, devoid of history committing crimes.
Why this is not given value in government or political service remains a mystery.
Nowhere in the world are plunderers of government coffers, accused murderers, rapists, kidnappers and convicts given the right to contest elections and get a chance to become lawmakers, except in the Philippines.
This is a violation of the very fundamental basis of democracy. It is a violation of the principles on which our nation was founded.
If the Philippines has to emerge as a world leader, our political leaders must have proven a high degree of integrity and sound ethical values. We need to be led by law-abiding, upright and genuine citizens of our nation.
Without sounding political, in spite of the ironical state we live in, we are blessed with a current set of national leaders, successfully transforming our country in only almost six years, from being the “Sick Man of Asia” to becoming an economic “Star of Asia” since Martial Law era; simply because of a leader with a high sense of righteousness and integrity.
By presenting these positions, it is my intention to push those concerned to:
1. Institutionalize measures uplifting the culture of righteousness embedded within governance of government institutions.
2. Implant in the hearts, minds and spirits of the young the culture of righteousness and integrity by embedding these cultures in all levels of education.
3. Build and develop government institutions governed by competent servant leaders devoid of selfish spirits driven by corruption.
4. Build government institutions with competent leaders who can be trusted.
All these are attainable, provided righteousness and integrity are unconditionally lived by our government leaders to serve above self.
(This article reflects the personal opinion of the author and does not reflect the official stand of the Management Association of the Philippines or the MAP. The author is the President for Projects of NV Vogt Philippines Solar Energy One Inc. Feedback at [email protected] and [email protected]. For previous articles, please visit map.org.ph)
