Honesty is inseparable with integrity. In our world today we obviously see the result of “ dishonesty”. As the song goes, “ honesty is such a lonely word, everyone is so untrue, honesty is hardly ever heard”. Every one of us can personally prove how true the song is. Classrooms, offices, institutions and the likes are venues where dishonesty and fraud are committed.
Broken homes and relationships are marred by infidelity. Institutions, politics, schools and even the church are breeding grounds of this seem unwavering dishonest practices. Dishonesty is committed either verbal, or by act of omission, or deliberately doing something against the law. Corruption is the by product of dishonesty, The SWS Survey of Enterprise on Corruption 2013 has presented/reported data to the “ Good Governance Summit in January 15, 2014. Here are some:
56% of the respondents says they see a lot of corruption in the public sector, and that includes
DepED definitely.
42% says most/almost all companies in their own sector of business give bribes to win govern
ment contracts.
In terms of sincerity rating in fighting corruption, the following got a Very Good Rating; DTI.
DOH, SSS, DSWD
DepED, DOLE, Supreme Court, DOJ got only Good Sincerity Rating.
Moderate Sincerity Rating was given to the Office of the Ombudsman, COA, City Governments, DILG,
and Sandigan Bayan.
A Poor Sincerity Rating for the BIR, DPWH, PNP, and House of Representatives.
Bad Sincerity Rating for LTO and Very Bad Sincerity for the Bureau of Customs.
The details presented is a clear manifestation of the extent of corruption within the public sector as perceived or observed by the people. DepEd was one of the agencies with “good net sincerity rating”. The question however, is that really the whole picture of truth in our department? Are we really that good, or they missed some truths we have in our daily performance of duties? When I do not use my official time in accomplishing institutional goals, I’m dishonest. When my personal goals are far more favored rather than the interests of pupils and teachers, when I don’t intend to be transparent about money matters of the school, I’m being dishonest. To the teachers, do they really intend to teach children/pupils by heart, or just doing their job!
In 2004, DepED was among the top 10 Most Corrupt Government Agencies according to the SWS survey at that time. We ranked 6th according to the 1,200 respondents from Metro Manila, Luzon , Visayas, and Mindanao. This is an alarming indication of how we lost the value of honesty. It’s high time we show our efforts and endeavor to create our workplace where” honesty is really the best policy”
Our intents and motivations greatly affects our attitude of being honest or dishonest. The value of honesty serves as the catalyst for good governance and transparency. The practice of it must be right now and right where we serve. From the top officers of our government down to the lowest rank and vice versa.. Where honesty came from? Is not impossible to determine. The Moral Law of God ( 10 Commandments) in Exodus 20; 3- 17 of the Holy Bible has specified commandments concerning mans love to God and mans love toward his fellowmen. Loving God and your fellowmen will make you an honest person. How we value therefore the moral law is reflected in our day to day functions as a public servant. The more we realize we owe honor and respect to our God, the more honest we become in our dealings.
It’s time to go back to this fundamental biblical truth and apply it in our daily life. Sad to say however, a lot of people or even preachers are advocating Gods moral law( 10 Commandments) being irrelevant and obsolete. Others say it was for the Jews only. Imagine when this argument is true. I can kill , steal, commit adultery, can bear false witness against someone , I can be dishonest without sinning, and I can do it anywhere. At home, my office, anywhere. Let us not forget that this moral law is universal and eternal. Imagine when everyone adheres to this law. We need not nail advertisements on HONESTY in our workplace just to become one. Honesty becomes a natural result of honoring the Old Testament 10 Commandments.
By: Wilbert D. Langreo | School Principal-I | Sta. Rosa Elementary School Pilar, Bataan
