R.P. Christianity: “Being Christian” and “being corrupt”

Abstract

When we entered the month of September 2003 almost all Filipinos around the world were shocked by the international news that the Philippines ranked 11th in the list of the most corrupt countries in the world and 3rd in Asia. Some were saddened by the condition of our country because the integrity and identity of the Philippines were exposed to shame in the eyes of the world. Of course, that exposition was an evidence that corruption has really been a part of the Philippine culture. This is not to exclude our justice system that serves the vested interest of those who have the power and the influence.

Corruption in the Philippine politics has been embedded in our culture even before the Philippine liberation from the Japanese occupation of the country. I am glad that the news about the Philippine corruption was broadcasted around the world. My delight was not because I hate Filipinos. Rather it is my hope that the international news might serve as a critic to our government and remind us of our failures.