Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) recently flagged a promotional poster by Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas for improper use of the Philippine flag. According to the NHCP, the placement of the flag as a background image violated Republic Act No. 8491, which outlines the correct usage of national symbols. In response, the page administrators quickly took down the post from their social media accounts.
This swift action by NHCP raised eyebrows, with many Filipinos questioning why government agencies can act decisively on minor infractions but seem to falter when it comes to widespread corruption. The contrast is glaring—efficiency in handling a flag misuse but sluggish or even non-existent action against officials accused of looting public funds.
A Government Quick to Spot Small Infractions, Slow on Big Crimes
While the NHCP promptly addressed a relatively minor issue, major corruption scandals involving high-ranking officials continue to pile up with little to no resolution. Recently, former President Rodrigo Duterte and his former aide were accused of misusing government funds through fraudulent dealings. Allegations against them suggest large-scale corruption, yet legal proceedings have been slow-moving.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte is facing criminal charges, including inciting to sedition and grave threats, after allegedly making assassination threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended filing these charges, marking a rare instance where a high-profile politician faces legal accountability. However, it remains uncertain how swiftly—or effectively—justice will be served.
The Persistent Corruption Problem in the Philippines
The Philippines consistently ranks low in corruption perception indexes across the Asia-Pacific region. Reports from international watchdogs indicate that corruption remains deeply entrenched, with public funds continuously siphoned through fraudulent projects, bribery, and misuse of power. Efforts to combat corruption—such as digitalization in government transactions and increased citizen oversight—are in place but have yet to show significant results.
Transparency remains a challenge, and investigations into major corruption cases often end in political maneuvering rather than real accountability. When it comes to government graft, arrests and convictions are rare, and the public has become increasingly disillusioned with the justice system.
The Hypocrisy of Selective Governance
The swift response of the NHCP to a minor flag violation only amplifies the frustration of Filipinos who see their leaders escape punishment for far more serious offenses. If agencies can act immediately on social media posts, why do corruption cases involving billions of pesos drag on for years without resolution? The urgency applied to symbolic infractions should also be used to pursue economic and political crimes that have far greater consequences for the nation.
If the government wants to restore public trust, it must show the same level of urgency in addressing corruption as it does in correcting minor mistakes. Justice must not be selective. The Filipino people deserve a leadership that holds criminals accountable, whether they are small-time offenders or high-ranking politicians.
The question remains: When will we see the same efficiency used in flag-related controversies applied to the fight against corruption? Until then, the crocodiles in government will continue to feast, while justice remains a distant dream for many.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
