22/09/2025
Corruption in the Philippines and the Bible
Corruption is one of the biggest problems in the Philippines today. It shows up in bribery, misuse of public funds, and leaders who make promises but fail to keep them. Sadly, this is not a new issue. The Bible also describes leaders and officials in ancient Israel who were guilty of greed, dishonesty, and injustice.
In the Philippines, corruption often harms the poor most of all. When resources are stolen or misused, the needy lose access to education, healthcare, and justice. This is similar to what the prophet Amos condemned: “They afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right” (Amos 5:12, KJV). Just like then, today the powerless are often left without protection.
The Bible also speaks strongly against bribery, saying it blinds the wise and twists justice (Exodus 23:8). This reflects how many Filipinos experience corruption as part of everyday life, from small bribes to large-scale scandals. But the Bible reminds us that this should not be accepted as normal.
Both the Bible and the Philippine situation point to the same truth: when the wicked rule, the people suffer, but when righteous leaders rise, the nation rejoices (Proverbs 29:2). The challenge for the Philippines today is to raise leaders and citizens who value integrity, accountability, and the fear of God. Only then can corruption be overcome and true progress be achieved.