From Reformers to Suspects: The Devolution of Philippine Senators
Among the senators currently suspected of significant corruption in the Philippines, many have never been widely regarded as paragons of honesty. For instance, Senator Jinggoy Estrada has faced corruption cases in the past, was convicted, but eventually acquitted. He spent time in detention, and his conviction for bribery remains under appeal. Similarly, Senator Joel Villanueva, despite his frequent quotations from Sacred Scriptures, was ordered dismissed from public service for misusing the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), though this decision was reversed in 2019. Former senator Bong Revilla also confronted plunder and graft cases, later acquitted of criminal charges but ordered to return P124.5 million to the government in civil liability.
The Transformation of Transparency Advocates
However, at least two senators now suspected of major corruption once presented themselves as reformers. Senator Chiz Escudero was at the forefront of opposition to the graft-ridden Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration. He advocated for transparency amidst numerous corruption allegations and the Hello Garci scandals. Senator Loren Legarda famously shed tears after the majority of her fellow senators decided not to open the second envelope during a pivotal moment. While not commenting on those already notorious for corruption, these former crusaders for transparency now suspected of graft present fascinating case studies.
Senator Escudero, who once headed the august higher chamber, has been implicated in the flood control mess. Beyond his alleged involvement in flood control projects, he raised eyebrows when it was revealed that a campaign donor is a government contractor. Questions have also emerged about then Senator Legarda's role in granting a solar energy franchise to Solar Para sa Bayan, a company owned by her son, Leandro.
The Moral Erosion in Public Service and Society
Those who were once accusers are now the accused. The previously untainted are now struggling to remove stains from their reputations. How do we explain this transformation, or more accurately, this devolution? This decline is not exclusive to public servants. I have observed students who were once epitomes of simplicity but now own a third car in less than three years.
It is a cliché that power and money can corrupt even the best individuals. Let us move beyond trite explanations to deeper insights.
Factors Behind the Moral Decline
First, our silent acquiescence can gradually weaken our moral fiber. Chiz, for example, was vociferous in denouncing corruption during the Arroyo administration but became silent amid extra-judicial killings and the Pharmally scandal. When we fail to speak truth to intimidating power, we slowly learn to accept evil. Gradually but surely, we imbibe the disvalues we once condemned.
Second, big things start from small things. When we accept minor corruption, justifying it as part of real life, we become lax in our own morals. Nobody begins by stealing millions; it might start with taking paper clips or bond papers from the office, being dishonest with work time, or giving a few pesos to a cop for overspeeding. One lie does not make a liar, but repeated actions erode moral values faster than habal-habal drivers speed through traffic.
A Biblical Parallel and Self-Reflection
A biblical example is King David, favored by the heavens. His descent into moral nihilism began as a peeping Tom, attracted to Bathsheba's beauty while she bathed. From peeping Tom, he became an adulterer, and from adulterer, a sophisticated killer of Uriah, Bathsheba's husband. Fortunately, the prophet Nathan brought him back to his senses.
Can we not be prophets to our own selves? This question challenges us to reflect on our roles in preventing moral erosion in society and public service.
