MY ETHICS professor once said graft and corruption is characterized by surrendering the public interests to private aims and violations of those entrusted to run the government. They become normal, norms of duty, and regular in civic affairs. This is accompanied by secrecy, betrayal, deception and a callous disregard of common welfare. It could be in a form of bribery, extortion and even nepotism. It is an unethical and immoral act of misuse and abuse of public trust.

It seems that “graft and corruption” has been the theme of political activities in this country. Since the time of partisan politics, graft and corruption became a twin concept with partisanship and the right to suffrage.

Looking back at our beautiful history, the election of the leaders of the Katipunan was already coupled with graft and corruption. While the rebel soldiers were guarding the barracks and upholding Philippine independence, some of their leaders were having partnerships with the foreign imperialists. This was one of the reasons why most of the rebellions in early history failed. This was due to the collaboration of many leaders with the “enemies.” They were either bribed or bought by these “enemies.”

If we go earlier in history, one could see corruption already practiced by our ancestors.

and collaboration between the City Government of San Fernando and several nongovernment organizations, civil society groups and volunteers coming together to boost the government's vaccination rollout.

“Ang programang ito ay naisakatuparan sa pakikipagtulungan ng tanggapan namin at ng City of San Fernando LGU through the Office of Councilor Redentor Halili, pati na rin sa mga civil society organizations na pinangungunahan nina [Pampanga Governor Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio] at Quiel Quiwa, at sa iba pa nating long-time Angat Buhay partners,” Robredo said.

“Kasama rin natin na nakikipagbayanihan para sa vaccine drive na ito ang mga medical and non-medical volunteers mula sa iba’t ibang organisasyon, medical institutions at universities, and local CSOs,” the Vice President added.

Under the partnership, the LGU provided the Covid-19 vaccines, while the provided 162 manpower to facilitate the vaccination.

Also taking part in the Pampanga leg were medical and non-medical volunteers from the f Malolos Maternity Hospital, Philippine Red Cross, Guiguinto Polymedic Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, Smile Symmetry Dental Clinic, Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Fe Del Mundo Medical Center, Activeone Health; Manila Doctors Hospital, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Medical Center Manila – Manila Med, Emilio G. Perez District Hospital, PAGCOR, East Avenue Medical Center, Metropolitan Medical Center, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Quezon City General Hospital, Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine, Far Eastern University – NMRF, University of Santo Tomas, San Beda University, Emilio Aguinaldo College – School of Medicine; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – College of Medicine, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center – College of Medicine and the Philippine Medical Student Association – Our Lady of Fatima University.

The Vaccine Express program started in June when Robredo and the city government of Manila launched a drive-thru vaccination for tricycle and pedicab drivers. From there, the OVP is going to different LGUs to bring Vaccine Express to their localities and help them ramp up their vaccination rollout.

Meanwhile, Dr. Iris Muñoz, City of San Fernando National Immunization Program Manager, said the OVP Vaccination Express drive was a needed boost to the LGU’s vaccination rollout.

“San Fernando is very thankful to the Vice President and to her camp dahil itong 162 manpower ng Vaccine Express ay sobrang laking tulong sa atin since nagkukulang tayo ngayon sa medical staff kasi nga yung iba tinatamaan ng virus and nagku-quarantine pa. We are happy na sumakto talaga yung dating ng Vaccine Express. Mas napabilis at marami tayong nabakunahang Fernandinos dahil dito,” Muñoz remarked.

As of September 16, 2021, the total vaccinated individuals in the city reached 132,092 or 54.6 percent of the eligible population. Around 34.3 percent of this total are fully vaccinated. (JTD)