Features

Strategic Accountability: Unpacking BISA’s Leadership Forum

Written by Julliana Mondelo Researched by Patrick Runio | October 21, 2024

AS the midterm election draws near, many influencers, artists, and all-too-familiar political figures file for Certificates of Candidacy (COC). This is deeply concerning, as what should be a serious act of democracy is treated as entertainment. The voters’ apathy and lack of demand for transparency lead to a never-ending cycle of corruption and poverty.

     With this in mind, the Bedan International Studies Association (BISA) held a forum entitled “Leaders under the Lens: The Call for Accountability” last Oct. 15 at the Rosendo Herrera Hall, emphasizing the importance of public officials' integrity. 

Lider o Lider-lideran?

     “Leadership without accountability is just bida-bida,” said Dr. Rosario Mielmia C. Aquino, Dean of the School of Arts, Science, and Education (SASE), in her opening remarks. Though a simple statement, it highlights how authentic leadership requires accountability, not just the appearance of leadership. The SASE Dean also mentioned several controversial figures and their advocacies, where they often speak loudly about public service but fall short in providing governance. Unfortunately, self-serving or superficial politicians do not seem to cease. 

     “Because our leaders are not accountable for their actions, the actions of the lower house bespeak to that,” Aquino added, highlighting how poor leadership trickles down and affects the entire system. Thus, elections require active engagement and discernment by the citizens. 

Declining Democracy

     Ms. Joy Aceron, Convenor-Director of G-Watch or Government Watch, was the sole speaker at the event. In her address, she outlined a growing wave of “autocratization,” where one individual or group holds unlimited authority worldwide. The idea revolves around how democracy itself is at a turning point. While more countries adopt electoral democracy, the system is in crisis. Elections alone are not enough. 

     One of the most significant issues she raised was the human rights crisis, worsening corruption, and general democratic decline in the Philippines. She mentioned a study from the European Union that showed 18% of government budgets are being wasted due to inefficiency and corruption, a high indicator of the need for greater accountability tools. 

     She reminded the audience that those with higher responsibility must have higher accountability. “Public office is a public trust. We are entrusting our power to whoever was the power—pinagkatiwala natin iyon sa kanila kaya dapat hindi ito ipinapamana,” Aceron said. 

A Call for Action

     As students, many of us come from political families and will or may become public servants someday, as noted by Dean Aquino. We should instill accountability and good governance and refuse to allow the abuse of power to go unchecked. 

     We should keep a watchful eye on the current government officials as well as aspirants because, at the end of the day, especially those at the bottom of the poverty line are deeply affected. 

Vote wisely, Bedans!