A Trail of Corruption

Forget about the NBN deal or the new enactment to change the alphabet from ABC to ZTE. Let's focus on a lower intensity scenario like the Local Government Level.

The core of infrastructure projects is outlined in a document called the Land Use and Zoning Code/Ordinance(there is a need for local enactment). With it are prominently featured such departments like the City Engineer's Office and the City Planning office. Both mandatory departments under the Local Government Code of 1991, R.A. 7160, authored by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel.

That Local Government Code did not make the City Architect's Office mandatory but rather only discretionary or optional. The Architect's Law of 2004, also sponsored by the good senator, has the effect of making it a mandatory department.

The City Engineer's Office is tasked with enforcing the Zoning Ordinance. The issuance of a Building Permit is one of it's primary functions. Including the enforcement of demolition orders and all other functions provided by the building code, PD 1096 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations(IRR).

The power to issue a Notice of Illegal Construction is the first step towards a deeply rooted corrupt system. Through a network of organized operatives enumerated in the set of allied professions, like the electrical engineer, sanitary, mechanical, geodetic engineers. This group operates as a syndicate for captive client projects. At the center of this organized network is the Civil Engineer.

The processing of plans are made through established contacts within and outside the bureaucracy. This organized crime does not include the architect. An outsider in the game.This reminds me of my instructor in an Architectural Design subject, who exclaimed in class.." why do you all want to be architects? Don't you know that there is a very slim chance of success in the field?" hahaha! Times change sir.

This business provides the so called 'sideline' for most government employees who are technically oriented. Using government time, materials, and resources. To the detriment of the practicing architect. It is as if the government has competed with the private practitioner. These are all illegal projects because they are undocumented in the sense that they are not signed and sealed by their respective authors. They deny government income through proper documents that produce taxable contracts. Instead of benefiting the government, they end up filling the pockets of individual entities.

If the structure or the plan fails later, liability cannot attach for the reason that both parties are guilty. The owner for the illegal construction, and in the hope of getting a bargain through bribes and the professional for illegal practice who 'fixes it' at a bargain price. They just call it 'quits'. No guarantees. Ever wondered why our cities are littered with such failed projects?

The New Implementing Rules and Regulations hopes to cure that defect in the system. It has an effect of stopping the above-mentioned illegal business.

These illegal practices not only takes away the life-blood of government but also deprives the general citizenry of well planned environments and spaces. If you look around your neighborhood and sense a hostile environment unfit for human habitation then you know the cause of such a disease.

What is really at stake is the health of the nation. An unhealthy environment, ill conceived spaces,and irresponsible structures produce an unhealthy citizenry. In effect a poor country.