Corruption in the government has been a perennial dilemma, not only in the third world countries but in first world too. In third world countries, corruption is usually deep-rooted and rampant. While in first world, rich countries may have more robust structures, but form of corruption within them is more sophisticated, corruption leaves a piercing adverse impact in the integrity and competency of the government.
According to the definition, corruption is seen as the “use of public office for private advantage”. It involves the behavior of whether politicians or civil servants, in whom they unlawfully and improperly enriched themselves, or those their confidant by misuse or abuse of the public power entrusted to them.
There are two types of corruption:
- State capture/grand corruption is the condition when the institutions, policies, and regulations of the state are subject to purchase by private interests, which involves enormous amounts of ill-gotten wealth. High-ranking officials are mostly involved in this scenario.
- Petty/administrative corruption involves small amounts for payments of routine public services to be delivered or expedited, or payoffs for small infractions. While grand corruption causes more damage than petty corruption, this does not mean that nothing should be done to minimize petty corruption. But, whether grand or petty, both are considered evils of society and results to profound consequences that affect all of us. (Philippine Anti-Graft Commission)
