What makes me angry is when people know what is right but have, over the years, attuned themselves to the fact that what they're doing, stealing money from government, is acceptable.

The quote by Miriam Defensor-Santiago addresses the issue of corruption and the moral complacency that can arise over time. She expresses anger at people who, despite knowing that their actions—stealing money from the government—are wrong, have convinced themselves that such behavior is acceptable. Santiago is criticizing the normalization of corrupt practices within society, where individuals may feel that taking from public funds is not only forgivable but also a part of the system they operate within.

Santiago’s statement highlights the moral decay that can result from long-term exposure to unethical behaviors. When people repeatedly engage in corruption without facing consequences, they can come to view it as a justified or tolerated practice. Her anger stems from the fact that these individuals no longer feel guilty for their actions, despite the fact that they are undermining public trust and robbing the people of resources that could benefit society.

The origin of this quote can be tied to Miriam Defensor-Santiago's fierce opposition to government corruption and her advocacy for good governance in the Philippines. As a senator, she was known for her strong stance on fighting malfeasance in government. Her dedication to integrity and transparency led her to publicly call out those who took advantage of their positions for personal gain, and this quote encapsulates her frustration with the normalization of such behavior.

In essence, Santiago’s quote underscores the danger of complacency in the face of corruption. By focusing on the acceptance of stealing from the government, she calls attention to how repeated unethical actions can become ingrained in a system, making it harder to recognize and address the harm they cause. Her words are a plea for a return to ethical behavior and accountability within the government.