REPUBLIC ACT No.

3019
ANTI-GRAFT AND CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT

Introduction
Graft and corruption is a widespread problem to every country; even here in the
Philippines. This is commonly practiced by our leaders. In general, corruption and graft is a form
of dishonesty or criminal activity undertaken by a person or organization entrusted with a
position of authority, often to acquire illicit benefit. For better understanding, corruption is where
our leader abuses his/her power to do what he/she wants like getting money from the government
fund for personal expenses and as a result, poverty, unfinished project and others occur. Not only
in the government, also in the Judicial System of our country, Police, Public Services, Land
Administration, Tax Administration, Customs Administration, Public Procurement, Natural
Resources and even the Civil Society.

That is why the government made a policy/law that at least lessen, identify or even avoid
this practice. This is the Republic Act No. 3019 or what we call the Anti-graft and Corrupt
Practices Act. This is a policy of the Philippine Government, in line with the principle that a
public office is a public trust, to repress certain acts of public officers, and private persons alike
which constitute graft or corrupt practices or which may lead thereto.

This is a national law in which this is strictly must be followed in every place in our
country. If this will be followed, our country will be corrupt-free and the economic level of our
country will grow even better because of it.

Counter Argument
After the law was implemented, this should at least minimize and curtail the opportunities
for official corruption and maintain a standard honesty in the public service. It was intended to
further promote morality in public administration. A public office is indeed public trust.

This law is aimed against graft and ‘graft’ is defined as ‘the acquisition of gain or
advantage by dishonest, unfair or sordid means, especially through the abuse of one’s position or
influence in politics, business, etc.

With this in mind, the principal provision of this law are based on the premise that
although it is the right of every citizen to provide for his future, he should do so by legitimate
means; and in the case of public officials, never- I repeat, never- by the use of the power,
authority or influence attached to his position or office.
 Persuading, inducing or influencing another public officer to perform an act constituting
a violation of rules and regulation duly promulgated by complement authority or an offense in
connection with the official duties of the latter or allowing himself to be persuaded, induced or
influenced to commit, such violation or offense.

Even directly and indirectly requesting any gift, present, share, percentage or benefit for
himself or for any other person, in connection with any contract or transaction between the
government and any other party, wherein the public officer in his official capacity has to
intervene under the law.

This law has lots of sections to read and identify. This law was already implemented and
as a result, corruption in our country is at least prevented and lessen and the economy level
increased by these past years.

Self Argument
Even if this law is implemented already, there are still leaders who are corrupt. Some
regions, provinces, municipalities and even Barangays’ economy level are low. Some leaders
still abuse their power just because they are either unidentified or protected.

There is also unfairness in some administrations like in the police, like their “kotong”
system in which they persuade you to give them money instead of doing it the legal way. In the
Government Budget, it is said that the budget is equal to every barangays and municipalities but
why are there still unfinished projects? Why poverty still occur?

If the law really is very effective, why are there still corrupted places? Especially in the
past years, where leaders are very corrupt, unfinished roads, unfinished buildings and even
illegal activities occur everywhere. Even though people trust their leaders because of their very
catchy way to their platforms and future works, they start the project and after just couple the
months, it is abandoned and unfinished.

Some leaders’ say that they are not corrupt, well let their projects do the speaking. We
can’t trust everybody. We even can’t do anything, because we don’t have the power. Some
people even say, “Laws are just written words”.
Conclusion
Graft and corruption is a widespread problem to every country; even here in the
Philippines. This is commonly practiced by our leaders. In general, corruption and graft is a form
of dishonesty or criminal activity undertaken by a person or organization entrusted with a
position of authority, often to acquire illicit benefit.

The Republic Act No. 3019 or what we call the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
This is a policy of the Philippine Government, in line with the principle that a public office is a
public trust, to repress certain acts of public officers, and private persons alike which constitute
graft or corrupt practices or which may lead thereto.

This law is aimed against graft and ‘graft’ is defined as ‘the acquisition of gain or
advantage by dishonest, unfair or sordid means, especially through the abuse of one’s position or
influence in politics, business, etc.

Even if this law is implemented already, there are still leaders who are corrupt. Some
regions, provinces, municipalities and even Barangays’ economy level are low. Some leaders
still abuse their power just because they are either unidentified or protected.