My feeds and group chats are bombarded with so much of what’s going on and i have been in deep thought and can’t sleep, so i decided to write what’s on my mind and my heart.

I’m heartsick—and if I’m honest, angry. Decades of corruption in the Philippines have left a long trail: flood-control projects that don’t control floods, classrooms that exist only in press releases, “service” offices that serve whoever can grease the wheels. The recent blowups—DPWH headlines, the Discaya saga, allegation on paid media personalities, and yet another round of congressmen under a cloud—didn’t create the rot; they exposed it. And people are fed up. You feel it in the comments, hear it in the group chats, see it in the streets when the water rises where billions supposedly went.

But beneath the noise is a deeper truth I can’t shake: God is a God of justice. Scripture is clear—“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne” (Psalm 89:14). Nothing is hidden from Him (Hebrews 4:13). Every deed will be brought into judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14). We may outsmart audits and algorithms, but we cannot outsmart God: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked” (Galatians 6:7). No sin goes unnoticed and unpunished. That is sobering—and strangely, it’s also hopeful. It means justice isn’t just a campaign promise; it’s built into the universe by its Creator.

At the cross, justice and mercy met. God remained just while becoming the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26). Jesus bore real judgment so real sinners could be made new—from the barangay desk that expects an envelope to the boardroom that signs off on substandard work. The gospel doesn’t offer moral cosmetics; it performs a heart transplant. It doesn’t only forgive; it reorders our loves so we can handle power, money, and influence without being owned by them.

And that leads to our assignment. From the first chapter of Scripture, we’re called image bearers (Genesis 1:26–28)—to reflect God’s character into the world. Jesus sharpened it: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–16). Salt resists decay; light exposes lies and guides feet. This is not a Sunday role; it’s an everyday vocation.

What does salt-and-light living look like when everything feels crooked?

• Tell the truth in the small things. Accurate receipts, honest taxes, real deliverables. “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3).
• Refuse the “shortcut.” No fixer, no envelope, no “okay na ’yan.” “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked” (Proverbs 28:6).
• Work visibly in the light. Open books, clean procurement, clear boundaries on conflicts of interest (1 John 1:7).
• Speak with courage and clarity. When you must call out wrong, do it with facts, humility, and love; “put away falsehood” (Ephesians 4:25).
• Disciple for public life. Micah 6:8 is not optional: “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” Form consciences, not just calendars.

Yes, we need better laws, stronger enforcement, and real consequences. But let’s be honest: systems mirror the loves of the people who run them. If our hearts bow to money, tribe, and power, the spreadsheets will eventually follow. The only lasting antidote to corruption is the reign of Jesus in human hearts—transforming families, offices, committees, and councils from the inside out. If we judge ourselves, we will not come under judgment (1 Corinthians 11:31). If we keep hiding, God in love will expose—because He is just.

Be encouraged, friends. Darkness is loud, but light works quietly and relentlessly. I am certain there are auditors who refuse to look away, engineers who won’t sign substandard, entrepreneurs who pay what’s right even when margins hurt, pastors who preach holiness without fear. That’s salt slowing decay. That’s light breaking in. “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice” (Proverbs 29:2). God has not abandoned the Philippines.

A short prayer for our nation
Lord, You see everything. Nothing is hidden from Your eyes. Expose what is concealed, restrain what is corrupt, and comfort those who have suffered because of injustice. Start with us—cleanse our hearts, steady our conscience, and make us faithful image bearers. Make Your church truly salt and light: honest in money, truthful in speech, excellent in work, courageous in love. Protect whistleblowers, strengthen reformers, humble the proud. Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24). Through Jesus—our Savior and Judge—amen.

Let’s keep our hands clean, our books open, and our hope anchored in Christ while we do the slow, faithful work of reform.