Why are we so corruptible?

Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.

MANY in high positions seem to be corruptible. Given the difficulties that are daily exercises for most, the rare opportunity to achieve a financial windfall is too enticing for most to resist. Yet, I have often reflected on why it is so easy for so many, especially in positions of power and influence, to change completely and for the worse when given the opportunity. There aren't too many Cesar Viratas and Ting Paternos these days who reached Cabinet level and high elected positions yet not only did they not enrich themselves, but they also even maintained above standard ethics and propriety by living modest lifestyles while in government for decades. A laudatory example of that today is Secretary Lotilla.

I am not saying they are the only ones, but it seems exceptional. Especially if one goes by the reported flaunting of designer bags, watches and other accessories to accompany the overkill with cars and armed bodyguards. About a year ago, I remember seeing a woman and her infant child having a social lunch with some of her friends at a small and low-key restaurant in Bonifacio Global City that I have been going to for over a decade. They were four adults having a pleasant social lunch. I did not recognize her, but she seemed to be in her mid-20s and not a government official herself, though the huge SUV that dropped her off had an 8 plate. There were four armed bodyguards with her. Two of them with pistols hidden in the circa-1970s men's clutch bags were at the next table and two with visible arms at a table outside the restaurant. From the way her bodyguards were distractedly talking and eating while their client was having lunch, I wonder how effective they would be if an incident happened and if this was all just for the sake of being able to have and show off an outsized armed entourage. Just like the designer bags and conspicuous consumption complained about.

THE EMPIRICIST