President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has stated that his administration’s pursuit of “re-establishing a culture of integrity in government made the Philippines more globally competitive.” I can only agree because we have seen how the absence of integrity has led to high wastage in public projects. Funds could have been used for meaningful projects to alleviate the poverty of marginalized sectors of Philippine society. Even the choice of projects which puts the interest of the politicians rather that of the public means a detour from the right path to national progress. The degradation of society’s moral values will lead to “transactional relationships” or the “scratch my back, I will scratch yours” mindset where one does what is wrong simply because one owes a debt of gratitude. However, I do not believe that we should just focus on the government. “It takes two to tango” as a saying goes and the private sector should also commit to integrity.

Surfing the Internet reveals that there are many private sector initiatives to enhance integrity in the private sector. There is the Philippines Integrity Project executed by the Management Systems International with funding by the USAID whose website’s definition of integrity is most instructive:

“Integrity is telling myself the truth. Honesty is telling the truth to others.

“Honor is what others think of us. Integrity is what we ourselves think about our own character.

“Honor is a reflection of what we look like to others. Integrity is what we see when we look at ourselves.

“The importance of both is defined by our conscience.

“A person is not given Integrity. It results from the relentless pursuit of Honesty at all times.”

There is Transparency International-Philippines which holds seminar-workshops under the United Nations Development Program-Civil Service Commission – TI Philippines “Building Integrity in Democratic Governance by Enhancing the Culture of Patriotism and Good Citizenship.”

Foremost is the Integrity Initiative, a multi-sectoral campaign that aims to secure the commitment of CEOs and their companies to put in place policies and systems that will promote integrity in their business practices and prevent and sanction corporate wrongdoing. Companies have to commit to zero tolerance to corruption, pay the right taxes, follow labor laws, respect the environment, and favor long-term sustainable development over short-term goals. Launched by the Makati Business Club and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, one of its projects, the Integrity Pledge, has now been signed by over 1,500 companies and organizations, among them the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the American Chamber of Commerce, and the Bankers Association of the Philippines. Other projects in the works are industry integrity pacts and a unified code of conduct.

Service organizations like Rotary International have much to offer in this regard. Known for its Four-Way Test of the way we think, say, or do –”1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?” — its Rotary Code of Conduct is worth emulating:

“As a Rotarian, I will

“Exemplify the core value of integrity in all behaviors and activities.

“Use my vocational experience and talents to serve in Rotary.

“Conduct all of my personal, business, and professional affairs ethically, encouraging and fostering high ethical standards as an example to others.

“Be fair in all dealings will others and treat them with the respect due to them as fellow human beings.

“Promote recognition and respect for all occupations which are useful to society.

“Offer my vocational talents: to provide opportunities for young people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others, and to improve the quality of life in my community.

“Honor the trust the Rotary and fellow Rotarians provide and not do anything that will bring disfavor and reflect adversely on Rotary or fellow Rotarians.

“Not seek from a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship.”

All these efforts to promote integrity are essential as aptly expressed by businessman Ramon del Rosario in a speech to the MAP, “Why do we need to build a culture of integrity? Because it is the only long-term and comprehensive solution to banishing and exorcising the profoundly pervasive culture of corruption that has damaged our country’s institutions and corroded the moral compass of people, be it in the public or private sector.”

Business Bits. The Rotary Club of Diliman, D3780, vocational service project Living the Rotary Code of Conduct campaign will provide speakers and case studies facilitation. E-mail melitosalazar@yahoo.com for inquiries and requests

Sources: Manila Bulletin; Views, Comments, Features; 29 October 2012