Programa, Quindío, Armenia 24

Abstract

In this edition of Voces y Regiones, government transparency and the impact of corruption in public and private entities are examined. Corruption is understood as the misuse of power or trust to obtain personal benefits at the expense of the common good, whether through bribery, favors, or irregular decisions. According to the World Bank, it involves the improper use of public resources for personal gain, while Transparencia por Colombia classifies it as petty or grand corruption, depending on its scale and impact. Abuse of power occurs when a public official, instead of acting for the common good, prioritizes private interests, weakening public trust in institutions. To address this issue, governments have implemented measures such as access to information laws, audits, citizen oversight, and regulatory agencies. In Colombia, entities such as the Attorney General’s Office, the Comptroller’s Office, and the Prosecutor’s Office play a key role in monitoring and sanctioning corrupt acts, promoting a more ethical and efficient administration.