Rise Up, Pilipinas!

by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

Sadness. Frustration. Disappointment. Grief. Anger.

These are the emotions that flood my heart as I am bombarded daily with news of large-scale, systemic corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways and across various arms of the Philippine government.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Many more agencies remain unchecked, rot festering beneath the surface.

Sometimes, I am tempted to shut it all out. To focus only on my family, my children, and the safe little world we are building. It’s easier that way, lighter on the soul.

But every time I step outside, I see the weary faces of our ordinary kababayans working tirelessly just to survive.

I talk to Grab drivers and supermarket baggers who share their stories of long hours and meager pay, all for the love of their families. I see it in the broken roads, the failing systems, the inefficiency, the injustice. Life is hard.

All the while, government leaders, those we’ve entrusted with our votes and our hard-earned taxes, fill their pockets and flourish at the expense of the people.

I can’t help but be angry. Furious, even. How selfish? How greedy can one possibly be?

Every time I tune into the Senate hearings, my blood boils. The injustice is staggering. A poor man who steals a few hundred pesos worth of food is jailed instantly, while politicians who plunder millions, billions even, are given platforms, respect, and due process.

They deny. They delay. And more often than not, they walk away unscathed.

It’s infuriating. It’s heartbreaking. I grieve for the Philippines. I ache for the Filipino people.

How did we get here? Why does this keep happening?

Because we’ve tolerated it. Because we’ve stayed silent. Because we’ve normalized it.

We’re all part of the problem in one way or another. We’ve compromised integrity in our own small spheres: our homes, our jobs, our daily interactions.

We are a nation that lacks discipline. We don’t hold ourselves or others accountable.

And still, we keep voting for the same names, the same dynasties, the same tainted figures. We reward them with second chances they never earned.

If we want real change in our government and a better future for our children, it must start with us.

Yes, we demand change from our leaders- but we must begin with ourselves.

Having lived abroad and experienced a higher quality of life, my heart grieves for my children.

We’ve lost so much that we no longer enjoy upon returning home: efficient public transport, quality healthcare, world-class education, and the safety and structure of working systems.

If other nations can make this a reality, why can’t we?

Sad. Frustrated. Disappointed. Grieving. Angry. Yes, I feel all these.

But amidst the darkness, I choose to remain hopeful. I choose faith. I choose gratitude.

Because I believe God is moving.

The exposure of evil is the first step toward healing and renovation. God is sovereign.

He sees everything. Justice may feel delayed, but it is never denied. He is merciful but also just. He reigns. He rules.

This is my prayer: that those who have stolen from the people would encounter the mercy and grace of God, but also face accountability.

May they be compelled to return what they have taken, and turn from their wicked ways.

The Filipino people are angry.

But more importantly, we are awake.

We will no longer be silent. We will no longer be passive. We will make our voices heard.

We will fight. And we will win. We will see a better nation.