By Atty. Antonio P. Pekas
I was in court the other week and I witnessed a case being tried where the government was seeking the conviction of illegal loggers. For what I heard, forest guards and other DENR personnel saw the people who were cutting pine trees but they were not able to apprehend them. Not even the one who was doing the cutting with a chainsaw. He outran them all even if he was lugging the chainsaw which was of considerable weight. In the chase, that should have considerably slowed him down.
So DENR filed a case against the person who was building a house nearby. Somehow, however, the witness was not able to show without doubt that it was him who ordered the cutting of the trees. Of course I was just listening to the testimony of one witness.
Obviously, the witness was not as prepared as he should have been. It appears also that he and his companions who were to catch the culprits were not so prepared in their operation. Forest guards being outran by somebody lugging a chainsaw? They were obviously not determined to catch him. But then again why should they risk life and limb in the mountains while their bosses are merely sitting comfortably in their offices?
And if they were determined enough to catch the culprits despite risks, would they have been amply rewarded? Certainly not. In government, promotions are based on other considerations such as closeness to the powers that be and perhaps what one brings in to the coffers of the office which are often pocketed by the higher ups. Meritocracy or promotions based on merit is unknown in government agencies.
Could there have been a reward if they were successful such as an immediate raise in salary or a better service car? Again, certainly not. There are no rewards in government to achieve better performance or higher morale.
Going back, the operation was not properly prepared. DENR lawyers did not guide the forest guards on how to gather and preserve evidence so they will win in court if things will come to that. Law enforcement assistance should also have been sought for a successful operation. But then again why bother?
Similarly, in the prosecution of the case, DENR lawyers should have coordinated closely with government prosecutors with a keen eye on efforts that might result in acquittal. Conviction should be the goal and this should be sought with zeal and with proper coordination with all concerned. But again, why bother? Nothing will be professionally or personally gained by ordinary government employees or even officers by being proficient or by giving the extra effort..
Another demoralizing thing in government is when politicians or those in power or with influence start meddling on how work should be done. Sometimes it is those who are exerting sincere efforts who are demoted, transferred, or shouted at by politicians. So the general attitude is to go to the office at 8:00 a.m. and then pretend to be doing something until 5:00 p.m., then go home.
The worst result of this is talented or promising young government employees or officers end up not realizing their full potential. They get caught up in the mediocrity and they usually stay there throughout their productive years. What a waste.**
