Stephen Joey Macabinlar

Money Over Justice in the Philippines

In the Philippines, justice often bends—not because the law is weak, but because money is strong.

For the poor, justice is slow, complicated, and unforgiving. For the rich and powerful, justice becomes flexible, negotiable, and sometimes invisible. A person with money can hire the best lawyers, delay cases for years, post bail easily, or silence issues through influence. Meanwhile, ordinary Filipinos suffer in overcrowded jails, unresolved cases, and endless waiting.

This reality exposes a painful truth: the justice system is not equally experienced by all.

Corruption does not only exist in government offices or courtrooms—it exists in our culture of tolerance. We complain about injustice, yet many accept vote-buying. We condemn corrupt leaders, yet repeatedly elect them. We cry for fairness, yet allow money to decide who wins, who walks free, and who is forgotten.

Justice should be blind—but in our nation, it often opens one eye to see wealth and closes the other to ignore the poor.

True justice will not begin in the courts alone. It must begin:

in homes that teach integrity

in voters who refuse to sell their future

in citizens who value righteousness over rewards

Until Filipinos choose principles over peso, money will continue to outweigh justice, just like a tipped scale where truth struggles to rise.

A nation cannot be healed by wealth alone—only by justice, accountability, and moral courage.

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𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲
Pastor Stephen Joey “Gong” Macabinlar
34 years old | 8 years of service
Bangon-Bangon Advent Christian Church Fellowship

Pastor Stephen Joey “Gong” Macabinlar is known for his humility and gentleness. As one member described, “The best things about Ptr. Gong are humility and gentleness, full of courage and wisdom.”

He is a shepherd who listens, guides, and ensures that “everyone is heard and no one’s left behind.” His life reflects true servant leadership, always encouraging others “to live and walk the truth.”

One church member shared, “Si Pastor Gong, one call away na pastor. Makita nako na sa panahon nga nanginahanglan mi, naa jud siya permi andam mutabang. Bisan dili niya membro, kung pangitaon siya og tabang, naa jud iyang presensya.” His readiness to serve reveals his genuine compassion and deep love for people.

He is also a patient teacher of God’s Word. “Maayo si Pastor Gong magpasabot sa mensahe sa pulong sa Ginoo,” one member shared. Through his teaching, many have come to understand the Christian faith more deeply. As another expressed, “Si Pastor naa siya Christian Doctrine nga iya pud gipaambit sa ako, mas nasabtan nako akong pagtuo.”

Even in trials, his faith shines. “Si Pastor Stephen, sa iyang ngalan ‘man of full of faith,’ ug nakita jud namo na taliwala sa pagsulay sa among iglesia. Gipasalamatan jud namo iyang pagpaluyo ug pagtabang sa paglig-on sa among pagtuo.”

Members deeply appreciate his care and mentorship, especially in helping families grow spiritually. “Appreciate gyud kaayo nako sa akong kinabuhi ang pag-atiman ug pagtudlo kanako ni Ptr. Gong sa Kristohanong pagtubo, labi na gayud sa family devotions nga iyaha gayung gihagoan para sa personal na pagtubo.”

He is remembered not just as a preacher, but as a spiritual companion. “Kanang iya kung gitudloan sa espirituhanon kinabuhi, ug isa si Pastor Gong sa akong pasalamatan. Sa panahon sa Bible study sa balay sauna, iyang gipaila si Cristo Jesus kanako, ug dako kaayo’g kahimoan sa akong kinabuhi.”

And to quote from the hearts of his members:
“Pastor Gong, salamat sa imong dili matukib nga gugma ug pag-alagad. Ang imong mga pulong naghatag kanamo og inspirasyon ug paglaum. Padayon sa pagdala sa kahayag sa Ginoo sa among kinabuhi. God bless you!”

Pastor Gong, continue to shine the light of Christ in every heart he touches.

To God be the Glory!

We Reap What We Tolerate: A Wake-Up Call to Every Filipino

Corruption has long been the cancer that eats away at the soul of our beloved nation. We condemn corrupt officials, complain about injustice, and flood social media with outrage — yet when election season comes, many of us quietly trade our votes for cash, goods, or promises that never last.

Deuteronomy 16:19: "You shall not pervert justice or show partiality. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous".

We cannot keep blaming politicians when we, the people, tolerate the very system that breeds them. The truth hurts, but it must be said: we elect the corrupt because we allow corruption to live within us. Every time we justify vote-buying, pull strings for “connections,” or teach our children that cheating is acceptable as long as you don’t get caught — we are raising the next generation of corruption.

Ecclesiastes 5:8: "If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, be not amazed at the matter, for a higher official is watched by another, and still others are over them".

If we truly want to heal our nation, the battle must begin not in Malacañang, not in Congress, but in our own homes.
Every Filipino family must become the first school of honesty, integrity, and love for country. When parents teach their children to work hard without cutting corners, to be honest even when no one is watching, and to value service over selfish gain — that’s when the real fight against corruption begins.

Patriotism is not just about waving the flag or singing the anthem; it’s about protecting our nation’s dignity through the values we live out daily. Let us vote with conscience, speak with truth, and lead by example — because a clean government begins with a clean heart.

Corruption ends when we stop tolerating it — at home, in our community, and in ourselves.