OXFORD defines corruption as dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery. It includes a host of abuses such as graft, bribery, embezzlement, backdoor deals, nepotism, and patronage. It has long been a thorn on the side of any government administration in spite of efforts and determination by do-gooders to cleanse their ranks thoroughly.
Let’s face it. No matter how hard honest officials try to purify the government, the problem will remain as long as its roots lie from within.
A stark example of corruption in government that has lasted for decades can be found at the Bureau of Customs (BoC) which has failed to prevent the continued entry of illegal drugs and even foreign garbage into the country.
Many believe these illegal activities can only perpetuate through the connivance of some dirty BoC officials and crooked brokers providing fictitious consignees.
To finally put an end to this anomaly, a thorough investigation should be launched covering all officials and employees of the bureau from top to bottom.
The probe should include all examiners whose signatures continue to provide clearances for the release of illegal cargoes and Customs inspectors and guards who are directly involved in checking the shipments.
Even the guards posted at the Customs gates of every port where these illegal cargoes need to exit should be also be investigated.
One of the latest in a series of shipment seizures took place in a warehouse in Malabon just recently where a billion pesos worth of illegal drugs from Cambodia was confiscated.
Last March, the Department of Justice (DoJ) indicted former officials of the BoC, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Philippine National Police over the multi-billion peso shipment of shabu hidden inside magnetic lifters that managed to slip past authorities.
This case only proves that although the government is taking steps to prevent these illegal drugs from reaching the streets, the latter still find their way out Customs.
Law enforcement authorities warned that the country is being used as a transshipment point of illegal drugs after bulks of cocaine were found floating in coastal waters.
Apart from these illegal narcotics, foreign trash from Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, and Canada have also found its way inside the country. It clearly shows that corruption still lords it over the BOC.
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