What‘s lost to greed

Eighties kids were probably the last of the generations to have their childhood play spent outdoors, in neighborhood streets and village parks. Some say the sweat and grime made them more immune to diseases, unlike the young ones today who tend to fall ill at the slightest exposure to the elements. (Or to any form of stress that makes their mental faculties shiver).

Of course, the air quality then was much different. Anyone today can fall prey to the virus and a whiff of Metro Manila air can fell the hardiest indoor warrior.

And indoor warriors most kids have become, unable to step outside without the invisible harness of worried parents who stress about kidnappers, holduppers, drug pushers, irresponsible gun wielders and corrupt politicians.

Corrupt, yes. Politicians, indeed.

“A direct assault on children’s rights and well-being.” This is part of a statement by civil society group Save the Children, pertaining of course  to the corruption issue stemming from stolen public funds.

This greed certainly robs the youth of many things — programs meant to improve their education, their health, and so on. But corruption also steals something yet unseen, rooted in values that children learn from experience and their environment.

Everyone, including children, is affected by the flood control projects fiasco. But beyond the risk to their safety and health, the flood problem caused by the misuse of funds meant for its prevention may make children imbibe the wrong values.

They may end up believing their country is broke and backward compared with other places they see on Instagram and TikTok. They may think it is okay to give and receive bribes to get things moving. They might think it is easy to get away with murder, mayhem, and massive graft when no one ever gets the justice they deserve, as we have seen in these recent high-profile cases.

Beyond the tangible effects of ignoble graft and corruption, the youth will inherit a tampered future. They are being robbed of a progressive present and a better future by those their parents trusted would secure it. Betrayal like that deserves recompense.