The State of Our Nation
When I first heard about the DPWH flood control “ghost projects” and the ₱545 billion corruption scandal, my reaction was, “Well, what’s new?” I think that is what most Filipinos thought too. Corruption has become so normal here that our first instinct is to shrug.
But this year’s rains changed something in me. The floods were worse than usual. It was not even a heavy downpour, just a bit of rain, and suddenly whole areas were drowning. That is when I started to care more.
I watched the Blue Ribbon hearing. I saw the Discayas and their televised interviews, flaunting their luxury cars and obscene wealth. It does not take a genius to put two and two together. The only way they got those government contracts was through corrupt politicians. It was atrocious. And for once, I was not just indifferent. I was mad.
This corruption does not just exist on paper. It affects Filipinos at every level. Substandard infrastructure collapses. Projects are left unfinished. Flood control that should protect lives ends up lining the pockets of the powerful. Our hard-earned tax money is misplaced and wasted.
But it is not only the physical effects. It is the mental and moral decay too. Corruption has become so normalized and so accepted that people do not even fight it anymore. Instead, they imitate it in small ways, like jaywalking, bribing traffic enforcers, or saying “lahat naman gumagawa eh.” When leaders live without integrity and the law is not enforced, the people follow in their footsteps.
And then came the September 21 protests. To be honest, I found them fruitless. Yes, people came out in anger, but they came divided. Each group pushed its own political agenda, whether DDS, BBMs, or KAKAPINKS. Even in protest, we cannot stand in unity. Instead of solidarity, it became another battlefield for factions. And as always, hooligans used it as an excuse to stir trouble. The effort, the noise, the energy of the Filipino people were wasted.
But It’s Not Just Them
It is important to remind people that corruption is not only in government. Many Filipinos live out corruption in their day-to-day lives. I am not saying all Filipinos are dishonest, but the reality is that the little things add up.
I see it everywhere: ignoring traffic signs, not wearing helmets, driving without licenses, jaywalking when the pedestrian lane is just a few steps away, disrespecting loading and unloading zones, parking in no-parking areas, throwing trash where it does not belong, bribing officials to get out of tickets, or hiring LTO fixers. These may look small compared to the billions stolen by politicians, but the truth is these habits create the same disease. This is why we are stuck.
Everyday Corruption We Tolerate
What frustrates me the most are the people who complain about policies like bus lane violations without even trying to understand why those laws exist. The bus lanes are for public commuters. They are designed to encourage people to use public transportation and to reduce congestion on EDSA. But instead of respecting that, people complain, “It is not being used” or “Only buses are allowed, let the cars through.”
The worst offenders are the rich who treat fines as VIP fees. They think rules do not apply to them because they can pay their way out. That mindset exposes a deeper issue: many Filipinos lack not only discipline but also the willingness to learn why laws exist in the first place.
And how do these “small” acts add up?
Monkey see, monkey do. Government officials are corrupt, so the people imitate them. The people break the law, and the government sees that we are already lawless, so they continue taking advantage of us. It is a vicious cycle that feeds itself.
The Root Problem: Lack of Discipline
We did not use to be this way. I believe it started with the Spanish influence. Laziness was introduced to the Filipino people and it stuck. Today, lack of self-discipline is fueled by quick-fix government programs that breed dependence, like endless “ayuda.” Education has also collapsed into substandard systems where teachers are underpaid because the funds are pocketed instead. It is a vicious cycle that produces laziness, dishonesty, and corruption.
Although the Philippines is religious, it is not Bible-believing. We have Catholics, Muslims, Christians, and cults masquerading as Christians. But real transformation cannot come from religion, it comes from obedience to the Word of God.
The Bible says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10). This is the heart of discipline and integrity. If we cannot be trusted with small things, we will never be trusted with big things.
Do leaders reflect the people, or do the people reflect the leaders? I believe it is both. Leaders rise from the people, but people also mirror the example of their leaders. It is a two-way street, and everyone must do their part.
Lead by Example
I have been caught more than once for breaking traffic rules, whether because I was lost or confused by unclear signs in Manila. Every time, enforcers would hint at a bribe: “Just give me money and I’ll let you go.” But I always refused. I would say, “Just give me the ticket. I will pay for my mistakes.”
It would have been easier to pay a small bribe and walk away. But the Bible tells us to submit to governing authorities: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Romans 13:1). Ignorance of the law does not excuse me from it. I chose to pay the fine because I knew that was right.
It hurt at first. But it also gave me peace. Because integrity is choosing what is right when no one is watching.
The sad truth is that Filipinos are waiting for leaders to change first. Why? Because we are lazy. We do not want to put in the work. But real change will never come if we sit back waiting.
Real Change Starts at the Ground Level
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
To me, that means two wrongs never make a right. If politicians steal, it does not justify our own dishonesty.
If every Filipino practiced integrity daily, our nation would transform. We would be a God-fearing nation, rich in resources, rich in dignity, and rich in life. The quality of life would skyrocket, not because of government programs, but because people chose integrity.
A Prophetic Warning and Hope
If Filipinos refuse to change at the ground level, we will remain stuck forever. We will continue to be taken advantage of, with zero dignity, spinning in the same cycle of corruption.
But I still have hope. More and more people are getting to know Jesus. Yes, there are false teachings and counterfeit religions. Yes, Western liberal ideology is seeping in. But at the core, Filipinos are already familiar with Jesus. What we need is revival. A revival of truth, discernment, and obedience to God’s Word.
Real revival will not come through politics. It will come through the people of God rising in obedience. When God’s people are transformed, then and only then will leaders rise from among them who can bring real change from the inside out.
Closing Call
If I could look every Filipino in the eye, I would challenge them to walk in integrity even if our leaders do not. Stop participating in under-the-table deals. Refuse illegal transactions. Do everything with integrity. And educate yourself, at the very least, with our Constitution.
To my fellow Christians, I say this: Obey Jesus. Answer the call of the Holy Spirit. Some of us are called to be the future leaders of this nation. Do not be afraid. And for those who are not called into office, pray. Pray for our leaders, declare God’s promises, and speak life over our government.
I know we can do this through Jesus.
And if you do not yet know Him, or if you are not sure what I am talking about, let me invite you: Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again so you can be forgiven, redeemed, and made new. If you repent and believe in Him, He will give you eternal life and the Spirit to walk in truth. He is the only way for real change, in your life and in our nation.
Your Sister in Christ,
Lara
