The Corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippines is a Culture

In the AFP history, there have been various leaders who come and go, but the militant thieves have never been gone away in the picture.  And, military corruption can be deeply rooted way back then.  The corruption in the AFP is a hierarchy form of military corruption in the government.  I could say that, the AFP officials are so loyal to their leaders; and that is the major reason why they always admire and follow their superiors’ footsteps.  In this same manner, it is hard to fight this kind of corruption since it is seemingly a chain of command in the AFP.  As I personally view it, it is just a chain of command from the highest rank going down to the lowest rank of service.  And, everybody has to join the club or else all of those who will take against the decision of majority will lose their jobs. Honestly, I considered the corruption in the AFP as a contagious disease among the AFP officials that has infected and transmitted from one another. 

However, there are many factors why there is a prevalence of any contagious disease.  And, the same thing goes to any form of military corruption in the government.  There could be always a root of this scenario in the AFP.  I must say that it has already embedded in the culture of the AFP.  Every elected President of the republic has to appoint new AFP chief, then, the newly appointed AFP chief of command would also form his new batch of officials and subordinates.  This scenario always happens, and the corruption issues and scandals would always become a stain on their names and reputations.  Frankly, fraudulence in the AFP varies from different stories, details and strategies.    But all of them have the same target and objectives.  The involved officials have always ended up with bribery, fraud, scam, cheating, dishonesty and many other words that can fit to their deceitfulness.  Nevertheless, I still believe that not all involved in the AFP corruption are devious enough to do that kind of dirty jobs in the government.  I strongly feel that there are still people in the AFP even in the government who are scared and guilty every time they involve themselves in any form of corruption.  It is just that, they do not have any choice but to do it, because it is commanded to them by their superiors. More often than not, corruption starts from the higher level of command.  No ordinary person, official or employee in the government would have that guts to do any corrupt practices by him alone.  Most crimes have always with connivance pattern from different areas of responsibilities. 

Consequently, it is really hard to determine “who is who” and “which is which “in the process because nobody would either admit the fault or pinpoint the person who is responsible for the crime.  Indeed, all of them are accountable for their wrong doings.  Many stories have been heard in our government about officials who are involved in any kind of corruption, but they are just throwing the blame from one official to the other.  So, when the investigative body would interrogate about the corrupt related crime; many names would be mentioned that are allegedly involved in the corruption. And,   as a matter of fact, it has been a long winding road for the Senate committee before actually pointing out their fingers to the government officials who must be liable for the corruption practices in the AFP agency. 

 Indeed, there have been numerous high ranking officials in the Philippine government who were allegedly involved in the cultural corruption activities in the AFP.  There were many previous AFP generals along with other high ranking officials who were allegedly mentioned as getting 5 digits to 7 digits monthly compensation in the AFP.  In addition, there are many stories about allegedly pocketing public funds in the AFP, and putting this public money into their own different pockets.  The Filipino culture such as being so generous and extravagant, are  likely  the main reason why many AFP officials have always have to find for any extra financial resources.  Let us face it; there are many government officials who have elegant lifestyles and highly maintenance hobbies and leisure.   

With these all in mind, I feel so deprived, as like any other Filipino citizens, I am very dismayed for what happening in the different agencies in the government.  I thought that we could have better agencies with the new administration.  But it seems that there is no improvement at all.  It is very clear that a systemic corruption is difficult to eliminate by only few forces.  Everyone in each government agency must take part of the reformation of the Philippine government.