The Indispensability of Integrity in Governance

by: Nathaniel A. Saquiban

The Philippines arrived with 17 sustainable development goals. The first two are “no poverty” and “zero hunger.” Think tanks across the country have conducted workshops and seminars to develop logical frameworks and feasible action plans to achieve these goals. This is a common practice in goal-setting. We usually sit down at the table to write down the mechanics of implementation. Technical experts are actively involved in crafting these plans. We have substantial and satisfactory paperwork that backs up our plans.

It is important to always prioritize preparations and never overlook them. However, we need to combine the preparations with precise execution to attain a favorable outcome. This is where we typically fall short. We have a budget at hand. We possess the resources and methods to achieve our goals, yet we frequently succumb to temptation while executing our strategies.
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Examining the underlying cause of the issue reveals a deficiency in values, especially integrity. Integrity is not found on papers or visuals. People who implement the work imbibe and embody these values. Their financial and material stewardship, the exercise of their authority, and their adherence to existing laws, rules, and divine principles reflect their motives and intentions.

In the Philippines, we do not lack programs that promote integrity in the government and private sector. We also have established committees, government agencies, and constitutional bodies that uphold integrity and ensure its practice and incorporation in all aspects of administration or the discharge of public duties. However, if evil machinations twist or pervert laws, rules, and procedures, regardless of their soundness, all efforts will be in vain.

The lack of integrity is indeed a deterrent to the progress of a country. The lack of integrity contributes to the prevalence of poverty and hunger among the populace. The Philippines is not a poor or a developing country. It is one of the rich countries in the world. Our poverty does not stem from a lack of resources for our citizens but rather from the misuse, mismanagement, or improper distribution of a significant portion of our wealth. According to former Deputy Ombudsman for Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices, Atty. Cyril Ramos, we lose around seven hundred billion pesos (P700B) every year due to corruption, which is equivalent to 20% of our national budget. We can translate this amount into 1.4 million housing units for the poor, medical assistance for 7 million Filipinos, and a rice buffer stock to ensure no Filipino goes hungry for more than a year.

Since the value of integrity resides in every individual, we should learn to police ourselves, who profess to be citizens of the country. In part, we should choose wisely our leaders in this year’s national election. We entrust leaders with the power and authority to decide and command. This is crucial to the future of our nation. Peter Drucker, an Austrian-American management consultant and educator, once said, “Integrity is the final requirement of effective leadership.”

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