Programa, Tolima, Ibagué 22

Abstract

In this edition of Voces y Regiones, the discussion focuses on government transparency and the impact of corruption in public and private entities. Corruption is defined as the abuse of power or trust for personal gain at the expense of the collective interest, often involving bribery, favors, or irregular decisions. According to the World Bank, corruption is the misuse of public resources for personal benefit, and 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 in the public interest, prioritizes private benefits, weakening citizens’ trust in institutions. To combat this issue, governments have implemented measures such as freedom of information laws, audits, citizen oversight, and regulatory agencies. In Colombia, institutions like the Attorney General’s Office (Procuraduría General), the Comptroller’s Office (Contraloría), and the Prosecutor’s Office (Fiscalía) play a key role in monitoring and penalizing corrupt acts, promoting a more ethical and efficient administration.