I have always looked forward to this conference. This gathering of political party leaders in Asia not only enables us to renew personal ties. More importantly, it enables us to learn from each other on how our efforts as party leaders and party members have strengthened the democratic processes and improved the quality of lives of our countrymen.

In our conference a year ago in Thailand, I reported our ongoing struggle to strengthen our political parties and reform our campaign finance system. While our efforts on these measures were sidelined by our recent presidential elections, I am happy to report to this body that we have successfully tabled the issue in our legislative agenda.

As with the rest of the world, our efforts and initiatives for political reforms are often stymied by corruption. This situation is a clear indication that corruption remains as the biggest threat to our democratic way of life. Allow the entry of dirty money in the electoral campaign and you will soon have drug lords and gambling barons dictating the nation’s agenda.

A cursory glance at the Corruption Perception Index will show that nations with high incidence of corruption are mostly poor and face instability. This indicates that the corrosive effects of corruption not only gnaw at the moral, social and political foundations of nations but also make the lives of the people more difficult.

We already know too well the evils of corruption. We are keenly aware that it breeds public distrust and encourages disregard for the rule of law. We have recognized that corruption is insidious and attacks the quality of governance and national stability by undermining the legitimacy of the political process. We have learned that it foments social divisiveness and promotes social inequality and conflict. We know that it tolerates inefficiencies in the market and scares away investments.

But the more harmful and disturbing effect of corruption is the wrong impression it gives:that society subordinates basic human needs to money, power, and privilege. More disconcerting to note is the growing perception in most parts of Asia that corruption originates from politicians and political parties.

It’s no defense to the criticism that private sector — and even members of the church — have their share of corruption. But given the perception that corruption is the domain of politicians, we in the political sector should earnestly address the issue.

In most jurisdictions, political parties are considered public institutions and serve as focal points in the democratic process. During elections held under a free and democratic atmosphere, political parties underscore the vibrancy of the democratic process. When in power, political parties greatly influence executive and legislative decisions and processes that affect the lives of ordinary citizens.

Studies show the connection between corruption and ideology. Political parties that lack strong ideological commitments are more prone to corruption. It is this lack of strong ideological base that often compels political parties to resort to money politics in gaining votes on account of their inability to offer concrete program of action to the voters.

The lack or absence of a program of government drives the costs of elections higher. Given the scarcity of untainted contributors, political parties turn to or yield to vested interests for campaign donations. With that donation, donors expect payback. Government’s agenda for the common good is sacrificed. Corruption seeps in.

This vicious cycle of unprincipled politics and corruption has seriously compromised the integrity of political parties and helped contribute to the widespread universal distrust of politicians and political parties. We must not allow this to continue.

Admittedly, combating corruption is easier said than done. We have all realized by now that addressing corruption, in all of its complexities, demand a more thorough, deliberate and multi-pronged strategy for it to be effective.

Strong institutions could restrain abuses in power. These include having an effective legal framework, passage of anti-corruption legislations, having independent audit institutions and an inquisitive parliamentary oversight.

Corruption cannot be fought effectively without demonstrated commitment and sincerity. The vanguards of the fight against corruption must be beyond reproach. Moreover, public faith could best be restored through policies and programs that cater to the welfare of the people and not to vested interests.

We  also  have  to  communicate  with  like-minded  individuals  and organizations around the world. Corruption transcends boundaries, and effectively combating it must be on a global scale. We can exchange experiences and draw lessons from each other, we can adopt the best practices, the tried and tested formulas in each country. We can take advantage of the benefits of technology in getting our messages across borders with speed, accuracy and efficiency.

We should network, if not close ranks with anti-corruption bodies like the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC). As most of you are aware of, GOPAC is an organization of parliamentarians that focuses on fighting corruption.

We can also forge alliances with the civil society organizations involved in anti-corruption efforts. As member of the Executive Board of GOPAC representing Asia, I have made the initial step of forging ties with Transparency International Philippines to coordinate and synchronize our efforts and initiatives aimed at combating corruption.

As politicians and members of political parties, we are in a unique position to pursue all issues with the greatest leeway and advantage. We can probe into the dealings of government with might and effectiveness through our power over the purse and our oversight functions. We can look into the corporate affairs of the private sector without being overly intrusive; we can look into almost everything.

And I am glad we are all gathered here today ready and willing to take on this challenge.