Press Release
FACLA
January 16, 2014
Contact; Arturo P. Garcia
Phone; (213)484-1527

FIL-AM LEADERS CONDEMNS “CULTURE OF CORRUPTION” IN THE PHILIPPINEs

Los Angeles—Most Filipino-American leaders condemned the culture of corruption that is rampant and ingrained in the political system of the Philippines and agree with the surveys in the country that corruption is still prevalent despite the slogan of the President Aquino II, “Walang mahirap Kung walang korup.’

In the public forum format discussion meeting and weekly media event dubbed as “TALAKAYAN SA FACLA” last Thursday, January 16, 2014 at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA).. 1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026, most Fil-Am leaders voiced their concern on the problem of corruption in the Philippines

Twin Problems of Calamities and Corruption in PH.

The discussions focused on the results of the latest survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) of top executives of some 1,000 private companies in the country. Fifty-six percent of the executives in Metro Manila and other urban centers polled last year said there was “a lot” of corruption in the government in 2013, a 13-point or 30-percent increase from the level in 2012.

On the other hand , forum moderator Dr. Marc Caratao, expressed that “ corruption stems from the poverty and the political conditions that pervades the Philippines. Whenever calamities strikes, corrupt practices follows.”

Another participant businessman Freddie Castaneda of FAME Inc. explained; In the Philippines, corruption is the rule rather the exception while here in the United States, it is the exception rather than the rule.

Like in business, they will process your paper here in the US without any “lagay or padulas” Un like in the Philippines, kaya maraming paring mahirap, dahil marami pa ring korup.”

AlliancePhilippines leader Arturo Garcia pointed out that “ the survey noted that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) was the only government agency with a “very bad” net sincerity rating. From -46 in 2012, the Department of Finance-attached agency scored a -63 in the SWS survey.”

Another guest, Dr. Patricia Adelekan from Nigeria said “ I agree with the FACLA president that corruption stems from the weakness in character. It is not just a Philippine phenomenon but common worldwide.”

She even cited the political contributions of big corporations in the elections in the United States. ” Do you think they will not ask the politicians ro work for their benefit to recoup their contributions?”

The Hot Issues on Immigration

On the issue of immigration, moderator Larry Pelayo pointed out that the law should takes its course and agree with the proposed bill of Rep. Darrel Issa of San Diego that will give six years visa to immigrant “high skilled professional workers.”

He explained, “It’s unfair for a law abiding immigrant to wait for a long time while somebody will just jump over the border and will be here and be legalized in one day.”

FACLA President Austin Baul Jr remarked in regards with the heated debate on immigration “ that the law must be tempered with justice and must be fairly implemented for all.”

Journalist Larry Pelayo, Dr .Marc Caratao and Dr. Veronico Agatep took turns in moderating the weekly event. TALAKAYAN Public Forum ill invite guests to be resource persons in the interesting topics to be discussed every week.

The Public Forum TALAKAYAN SA FACLA is hosted and sponsored by FACLA every Thursday 10; 00 AM- 1;00 PM. There will be FREE COFFEE AND PANDESAL. Guests can also bring potluck food for everybody if they like to.

For more information please call Clarita at (213)484-1527 or visit our website at newfacla.org and email us at [email protected]

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