The military coups of 1987 were an important lesson to all if us. When the fundamental rule of law is suddenly cast aside like it was in 1987 it creates a vacuum and an opportunity for those less scrupulous members of our society to spread the cancer of corruption. Suddenly there is no law but that of the gun and temptation is waved in front of those new to power. Accountability has been set aside so it is easy for those in power to succumb to the temptation. When those in power blatantly ignore systems of accountability, corruption quickly spread through society.
Human nature means that the easy option is always attractive.
Public servants quickly fall in to the trap of ignoring abuse or power. Why take a stand when it could cost you your job. This results in an erosion of community values and so corruption becomes accepted as part of life. A friend recently got married in India and to bring his wife home he needed a passport. The system in India has become so overwhelmed that an unofficial set of fees has emerged.