Filipinos protest perceived corruption

Noynoy Aquino, aka Benigno Aquino III, President of the Philippines

Demonstrators protested a program by the government of the Philippines:

26 August 2013

MANILA — Across the Philippines on Monday, “National Heroes Day,” tens of thousands of people turned out to demonstrate against discretionary funds given to lawmakers that critics say are not being used as intended and instead are funneled to corrupt organizations.

On this national holiday, throngs of protestors turned out in the heart of the capital, screaming that stolen riches be returned to the people.

Dark clouds threatened rain, but thousands of college students and middle- and working- class citizens of all ages joined in the various chants and screams against what they call “pork barrel” spending. Its official name is the Priority Development Assistance Fund.

The funds, disbursed by the executive branch for legislators, are supposed to be earmarked for development projects across the country. But in the spring, investigators found a handful of senators had instead put the funds into bogus non-government agencies. The misappropriated funds totaling $226 million were used from 2007 through 2009. News of the investigation sparked public outcry, which culminated in Monday’s multiple protests.

Attorney Charlie Ho of Manila says he went to the rally at Manila’s Luneta Park because of his “outrage” over decades of corruption.

“We’re just fed up with the system. There’s so much money there, Ho said. “The Philippines is rich in natural resources so we’re not poor but because of the corruption- corruption of public officials- it’s the main reason for poverty.”

President Benigno Aquino’s anti-corruption campaign was a centerpiece of his run for office in 2010. Until recently, his administration had gotten generally positive marks on its anti-corruption stand. But the latest protests have been mostly targeted at Mr. Aquino and are proving to be the most significant opposition he has faced halfway through his six-year term. http://www.voanews.com/content/filipinos-protest-government-corruption/1736852.html

Many apparently feel that directly or indirectly, politicians are funneling money to themselves.

As far as government corruption goes, the Bible teaches that bribes are not to be taken and that government officials are not to take more than they should:

8 And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous. (Exodus 23:8)

19 You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. (Deuteronomy 16:19)

23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice. (Proverbs 17:23)

23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man! (Isaiah 5:23)

12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”
13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” (Luke 3:12-13)

However, until Jesus returns and the Kingdom of God is established, governmental excesses (1 Samuel 8:10-18) and improper moves (Isaiah 3:12; 9:16) remain expected.

People in the Philippines, and elsewhere, may wish to realize that.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Paglalahad ng Mga Paniniwala ng Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos This is the Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God in Tagalog, the primary language of the Philippines.
CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English.
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Asian? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
Just What Do You Mean the Kingdom of God? A booklet that was written by Herbert Armstrong answers questions about the Kingdom.