In today’s fast-paced news cycle, corruption often flares up only to be extinguished by the next sensational story. When a corruption case makes the front page, society seems to collectively wake up, albeit briefly, to the pervasive issue at hand. We engage in discussions, demand accountability, and express outrage—mostly in the form of lip service. Yet, once the headlines fade, so too does our attention, and we slip back into complacency. This cyclical indifference is not only troubling but dangerous, as it allows corruption to thrive in the shadows, far beyond the traditional cases of procurement, land otorgation, and permits.
Corruption is not a singular event; it is a systemic issue that can infiltrate every phase of the policy cycle. From agenda-setting to policy evaluation, it lurks in the corners, often unnoticed until it reaches a boiling point. This is where the danger lies. We have conditioned ourselves to respond only to the symptoms—those high-profile cases that catch the media’s eye—while neglecting the more insidious forms of corruption that undermine our institutions and erode public trust.
Take, for instance, the agenda-setting phase. It is here that the priorities of a society are established, yet it can easily be influenced by corrupt motives. Lobbyists might push for policies that serve the interests of a select few, or far from holistic solutions, sidelining pressing societal needs. When corruption infiltrates this stage, the very foundation of our policies is compromised. Yet, how often do we scrutinize how issues get on the agenda? Too often, we assume that our leaders are acting in our best interest, only to be jolted awake when a scandal breaks.
Next comes policy formulation, where the details are crafted. Corruption can lead to policies that are not only ineffective but also serve to entrench existing power structures. The lack of transparency in this phase is a breeding ground for corruption, yet we rarely see sustained public scrutiny or calls for accountability until it becomes a scandal. If we allowed ourselves to be vigilant during this stage, we could potentially prevent future crises.
Even when policies are adopted, the implementation phase is rife with opportunity for corruption to rear its ugly head. Resources meant for public benefit can be diverted, contracts awarded to friends or family, and services rendered ineffective. The public usually only becomes aware of these issues when the fallout is visible—when a project fails, or funds are misappropriated. By then, it is often too late to rectify the damage done.
Finally, in the evaluation phase, corruption can skew our understanding of a policy’s effectiveness. When outcomes are manipulated or misrepresented, it creates a façade of success that masks the underlying issues. This obfuscation allows corrupt practices to persist, as we are led to believe that everything is functioning as intended.
The reality is that corruption is a multifaceted issue that requires our continuous attention. It demands a societal commitment to vigilance and accountability that extends beyond the front page. We must cultivate a culture of scrutiny that engages citizens at every stage of the policy cycle. This means pushing for transparency in agenda-setting, demanding integrity in policy formulation, ensuring accountability in implementation, and advocating for honest evaluations.
As we move forward, we must recognize that the fight against corruption is not merely a reaction to scandals. It is a proactive endeavor that requires sustained engagement from all sectors of society. We cannot afford to remain passive, waiting for the next headline to wake us from our slumber. Instead, we must be vigilant, challenging corruption in all its forms and ensuring that our policies truly serve the public interest. If we truly wish to eradicate corruption, we must keep the conversation alive long after the front pages have turned.
Michael Willem, Ba Econ, MBA
Ex Minister and Ex Commissioner
