Let’s create change in 2022!
AS we are heading into a new year after a problematic 2020 and 2021, it’s time to reflect on how corruption eats away at things we all care about, from fundamental human rights to socioeconomic equality and environmental protection.
Around the world, corruption made headlines, sparked demonstrations and toppled governments in what should be a wake-up call for leaders to follow through on their commitments and make good on old promises as well as new, meaningful resolutions.
To give all of us some inspiration, here are four anti-corruption wishes we should have for us, the international community and our planet for 2022:
1. People power to transform countries
Corruption is continually deepening the crisis of democracy in many parts of the world. Research shows that countries with higher rates of public sector corruption have weaker democratic institutions, depriving citizens of political and human rights.
In 2021, people lost patience and took to the streets to demand that their governments serve public interest. We may see more protests in 2022 if political leaders don’t take urgent steps to eradicate corruption and make their countries a livable place for all citizens. The battle cry is: Don’t leave anyone behind!
2. Advanced economies to end complicity in corruption abroad
Strong measures are needed by relatively “clean” countries that often enable cross-border corruption by maintaining loopholes and failing to prosecute foreign bribery by corporations. This has consequences for societies all over the globe.
Ending corporate secrecy and reining in banks and financial intermediaries of dirty deals must be among our top priorities for 2022. the philippineanti money laundering council needs to do its job.
3. Climate action to be free from corruption
Where corruption goes unchecked, this has devastating consequences for the environment, too. The pandemic of 2020/21 has clearly shown us that we need climate action to create a better future for us and our children. Let’s keep the devastation created by Typhoon “Odette” (international code name Rai) in mind and initiate these changes in 2022.
4. Health care in 2022—hopefully free from corruption
It’s certainly good news, that a number of vaccines were approved for application in the UK, the US, Canada and in the Philippines. As I mentioned in an earlier column, let’s hope that the vaccination process will be executed without corruption.
Corruption does not stop when health is at stake. We have seen it regarding the PPES, Philhealth, hording and misappropriation of relief goods and payments, etc. Making health services and supplies by government and the private sector free from corruption can only be achieved if adequate safeguards are built into supply chains.
Let’s look to the New Year with hope and create room for anti-corruption progresses to accelerate and some negative trends to reverse.
Let me conclude with a note of caution. There is risk in ex posing people involved in anti-corruption activities. Work in a group rather than alone.
And remember: the youth deserve an end to corruption. Young people are not just our future. They are key to creating a just, peaceful and prosperous world right now— here and abroad!
Finally, one more change: Each of the five major American Internet companies Alphabet (Google), Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft is now more powerful than most governments of this world. They set standards that others only talk about. We need to change this balance of power. A “Digital Markets Act” and a “Digital Services Act” are needed in 2022, intended to regulate fair competition and an adequate handling of user content. The “Big Five” are to be obliged to report any plans to take over additional companies anywhere in the world, and, if necessary, to disclose their algorithms. In the future, they must not be allowed to evaluate the data of their business customers in order to compete with them. After all, the US giants who are active in the Philippines also are supposed to adhere to rules in order to curb “fake news” and “hate speech.” Violations should result in penalties of up to 10 percent of sales—and even dismantling.