Language of graft keeps Manila linguists busy

Word Crimes

Manila continues to invent creative ways to discuss corruption. “Allocables” and other bureaucratic euphemisms have become the new lingua franca in government memos. While ordinary citizens might struggle to parse these terms, insiders say that understanding them is crucial for survival in local politics.

Scholars note that the rise of corruption keywords has inadvertently spawned a subculture of political linguists who track euphemism trends and decode policy doublespeak. Meanwhile, the general public continues business as usual, assuming that “allocables” involves either tax money or leftover lechon—interpretations vary. The Philippines demonstrates that even in bureaucracy, creativity finds a way to thrive.

Full article here and additional reporting here.

SOURCE: Bohiney News.