A practical way to cut red tape and stop corruption

 

Whenever we are confronted by a systemic problem in day-to-day bureaucracy, we create a task force, a probe committee, a board of inquiry to “look into the matter”. We soon read press releases about investigations having been launched and that “heads will roll.” We get lost in the ensuing verbiage of implementing rules so complicated that even the implementors forget that these rules exist. The latest creation, the ANTI-RED TAPE AUTHORITY (ARTA) has yet to demonstrate with concrete results that its bite is as sharp as its bark. We are not impressed with hearing about cases filed or show cause orders served. We want to know about cases decided, about convictions, not indictments in suspended animation.

Many years ago I handled government contracts for a construction company owned by the Martel brothers, one of whom married Alita Romualdez, younger sister of Imelda. At one time Alita was promoted by the Central Bank two ranks higher, an act which understandably drew a lot of flak. I visited her at her office one day and I saw her sitting behind a neat desk. Accustomed to the clutter in government offices, I asked her, “Alita, how do you do it?” “Simple Joe, in this department there are no suspense files. A document which comes in today should go out today. If you cannot do it pass it on to your supervisor and the same rule applies.”

This down-to-earth and practical way of managing the flow of documents in government offices is based on plain common sense and professional integrity. It does not cost additional taxpayer money and is more efficient than a flurry of show- cause orders that eventually dissipate in the labyrinth of due process.

The author is a retired civil engineer from Cabatuan, Iloilo. He likes to spend his time reading and writing on the burning issues of the day.