What’s the difference between an “ordinary thief” and a “political thief”?
From a cited amount of P332 Billion allocated for “non-existent” flood control projects to millions of scandalous confidential funds that are allegedly misused, one could argue if the Filipino people are now getting robbed in plain sight.
Isn’t it tiresome to be in a situation where continuous corruption dwells in the walls of the government and yet the same people who had been robbed still shade the proprietors names in the ballot on every election?
A post by Bishop Broderick Pabillo reinforces this frustration of Filipinos: corruption survives not only because of politicians, but because of the culture that protects them.
In a viral post comparing an “Ordinary Thief” and a “Political Thief,” Pabillo pointed out how common criminals may steal wallets, gadgets, or jewelry, but corrupt politicians steal something far worse.
They rob the public of their future, education, healthcare, livelihood, and opportunities.
And perhaps the most painful part of the bishop’s observation is that ordinary thieves choose their victims, while political thieves are voluntarily elected into power by the very people they eventually exploit.
The irony becomes even more glaring during election season, when supporters defend politicians with the same intensity usually reserved for family members or celebrities.
Filipinos easily condemn a pickpocket caught on camera, yet many are willing to excuse corruption allegations, misuse of public funds, and blatant dishonesty as long as their preferred candidate remains in power.
Pabillo’s post also underscored the unequal treatment within society. Ordinary criminals are hunted down and jailed, while powerful political figures often move around with police escorts, influence, and protection.
His message resonates because it reflects a reality many Filipinos already feel but rarely admit openly.
The country’s political problems go beyond the existence of corrupt leaders, it is also about voters who normalize, tolerate, or even passionately defend them.
As long as politics is treated like fandom instead of public accountability, the cycle will continue and the biggest victims will remain ordinary Filipinos.
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