Miriam Santiago’s tips: How to fight corruption

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago’s campaign promise is clear as day: combat corruption.

In a speech before students of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod City on Friday, April 29, the presidential candidate once more rallied her youth supporters around this battle cry.

The senator called on the youth to be vigilant against corrupt institutions since the mechanisms for reforms in government – which she has been pushing for – have yet to be instituted. 

“We must look for other ways to fight corruption. I invite you, the young people, to join the crusade against corruption and the task of nation building. Begin by making sure that society does not condone corruption. Corruption only exists in a society that allows it,” Santiago said.

But how do citizens fight corruption in government? Here are tips from the presidential candidate:

1. Follow the money – track government spending because “stealing is easy when no one is watching, so you should track government spending and always look for results.”

2. Lobby and initiate drafting policies “that will help fight corruption or improve public service delivery, and ask your legislators to adopt them.” 

3. Protest and “[show] the ones in power that you are watching them.”

4. Vote for candidates with moral integrity and “if possible, fund the campaign of these candidates through small contributions or fundraisers so that they will not be beholden to contributors’ interests.” 

5. Protect the ballot. Cheating in the elections makes efforts to battle corruption futile.

“Our weapons against corruption are ready. What we need is the will to win. Do not be intimidated by the fact that you are young. You are filled with boundless energy, unfathomable courage, and a sense of wonder. Use these to your advantage and for the greater good,” she said as she inspired her young audience. 

Championing anti-corruption bills 

When elected, the survey tail ender said, she will ensure the passage of the bills that aim to eliminate corruption but have long been pending in Congress. These bills she have authored or supported include:

• The Freedom of Information Bill to promote transparency
• Anti-Dynasty Bill and the Anti-Premature Campaigning Bill to ensure clean elections
• Anti-Epal Bill to stop political patronage
• Anti-Political Recommendations Bill to restore meritocracy in government service
• And policies that will help establish strong political parties

Santiago, a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for government service, also stressed in her speech that corruption is still rampant in the government based on the country’s standing in the latest Corruptions Perceptions Index by Transparency International.

“The Philippines ranked 95th out of the 168 countries. We scored only 35 out of 100 points, showing that the public still believes that corruption is widespread in government,” she said. – Patty Pasion / Rappler.com