With trust as the foundation of healthy governance, the recent alarming phenomenon of several public servants engaging in deceit is synonymous with severe, deafeningly reverberating betrayal.

Painful as it is, the art of lying has evolved from a mere flaw into a disturbing skill set for many in positions of power. Appearing before the media for the whole world to hear and see, some public servants — whose roles are to serve, protect and represent the people — often succumb to the shadows of falsehood, manipulating the truth for their agendas.

More than a deliberate act that damages individual lives, it erodes the very fabric of democracy.

Take, for example, a familiar scenario where a politician makes grand promises during an election campaign. They appeal to the electorate’s hopes, vowing to end corruption, improve infrastructure, and deliver better healthcare. Yet, once in office, many turn their backs on these commitments, prioritizing personal gain or party allegiance over the welfare of their constituents.

Another striking example is when politicians campaign against corruption only to be a party to money-making pursuits to enrich themselves, bragging about material possessions bought with the people’s taxes after securing their positions. A betrayal that blindsides the public, and the trust built through their rhetoric crumbles, leaving voters disillusioned and manipulated.

When we talk about the art of lying among public servants, it’s not just about broken promises. There is something deeper — like how misinformation plays a role in their actions. They often hide behind a mask of half-truths and misrepresentations.

An allegedly scripted rescue of a young kidnap victim led to people being confused about policies and outcomes, and sometimes it feels like they’re intentionally leading us astray.

All of this just undermines our trust and goes against the accountability and transparency we need in our should-have-been democratic country.

The public official who, facing a budget shortfall, publicly downplayed the crisis while privately making severe cuts to public services like health. The assurance of stability for the community is short-lived as essential resources dwindled.

Such duality cultivates an atmosphere of cynicism, where citizens feel compelled to accept a landscape filled with half-truths and intentional deceit.

I hate to say it, but when politicians and officials speak, many begin questioning the integrity of the political system as a whole, not just of individual leaders.

One doesn’t have to be a psychologist to realize that the emotional repercussions of such deceit run deep. Think about the distress felt by families impacted by public servants’ failure to uphold promises of peace and order, healthcare, food security, and judicial reforms, to cite a few.

When officials proclaim that healthcare reform will ensure access for all, those struggling with illness and financial insecurity cling to hope. The moment these promises dissipate, families confront absolute despair. The same is true of the assurance that democracy is alive and constitutional freedoms are respected.

The betrayal amplifies feelings of vulnerability and abandonment, making it clear that these false promises devastate people’s lives.

When these deceptions are exposed, the typical response from public servants is often a banal apology or a feeble excuse, igniting public outrage. A recent scandal involving a high-ranking official caught in a web of lies regarding a significant contract award highlights this dynamic. Another one is the backpedaling from statements delivered with conviction during media interviews on the controversial arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Collective effort” or not, initial shock quickly shifted to outrage as the public grappled with the notion that someone entrusted with leadership could deceive so brazenly.

Such instances breed contempt and apathy among Filipinos, leading us to question the reliability of leaders.

Liars, beware that lying has a far-reaching impact beyond mere political ramifications. It also shapes societal relationships and diminishes civic engagement. Say goodbye to people’s votes.

When trust is betrayed, individuals become increasingly reluctant to participate in the democratic process. Remember, elections are less than two months away.

What to expect?: Voter turnout plunges, community involvement wanes, and polarization deepens the divide between citizens and their representatives.

To all deemed and perceived liars in government, it wouldn’t make you a lesser person to take by heart the words of renowned author and activist George Orwell, who said, “In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”

This will restore the trust that the painful art of lying has eroded.