CEBU (LiCAS News): Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu, the Philippines, challenged corruption, persistent poverty, and forced migration in his homily on 4 January, the feast of the Epiphany, describing these realities as “moral failures in leadership and governance.”
“Let us be honest: the Philippines is not poor because Filipinos lack talent or faith. Our country suffers because too many leaders think first of themselves,” Archbishop Uy said.
He reflected that the star which guided the Magi should not be reduced to a decorative symbol, but understood as a light demanding truth, accountability, and ethical direction—especially in times of national difficulty.
Reflecting on the account of the Magi and King Herod, the archbishop noted that the presence of light becomes threatening when it exposes wrongdoing.
“When the star is mentioned inside the palace, Herod becomes afraid. Why? Because light always exposes darkness,” he said.
Let us be honest: the Philippines is not poor because Filipinos lack talent or faith. Our country suffers because too many leaders think first of themselves
Archbishop Alberto Uy
He warned that leadership focused on self-interest ultimately resists moral accountability. “The star reminds us of a painful truth: when leadership is centred on self, even God becomes a threat.”
The star of the Epiphany, the archbishop said, is “not just something beautiful we admire in the sky. It is a light meant to guide our steps, especially when the road is dark.” He added that Filipinos continue to search for direction and hope “after storms, during difficult times, and in moments of uncertainty.”
Archbishop Uy argued, “In our country, corruption survives because many leaders are afraid of the light: they fear the truth, they fear accountability, they fear losing their privilege,” he said.
Rejecting claims that poverty stems from a lack of faith or ability, the archbishop argued that the country’s struggles are rooted in self-centred leadership, adding that the impact of such failures is felt most by ordinary citizens. “That is why money meant for the poor disappears. That is why projects are left unfinished. That is why people feel frustrated and tired,” he said.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
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Archbishop Uy said Epiphany calls both leaders and citizens “to choose openness over secrecy, service over power, and truth over what is easy or convenient.”
In our country, corruption survives because many leaders are afraid of the light: they fear the truth, they fear accountability, they fear losing their privilege
Archbishop Uy
The archbishop also addressed the migration of Filipino workers, drawing a contrast between the Magi’s journey and the experience of millions who leave home out of necessity.
“The Magi were willing to leave home to follow the light. But many Filipinos leave home today not because they want to, but because they have to,” he said.
He pointed to the social cost of overseas work, saying millions of Filipinos become overseas workers because decent opportunities are scarce at home, forcing parents and children to live apart—an arrangement he described as neither normal nor consistent with God’s will.
Raising a broader challenge to policymakers, he asked, “Why must Filipinos search for light far away when our land is rich and our people are capable?”
Archbishop Uy also emphasised that the star in the gospel narrative “does not stop in Herod’s palace. It stops over a simple home. God chooses to be found among the poor.”
The Magi were willing to leave home to follow the light. But many Filipinos leave home today not because they want to, but because they have to
Archbishop Uy
The archbishop stressed, “Poverty is not God’s will. It is often the result of unjust systems and corrupt decisions.”
He said that faith today requires solidarity with the marginalised. “If we want to find Christ today, we must look where the poor are—and stand with them,” he said.
Archbishop Uy pointed to the Magi’s decision to return home by another route as a call to national conversion. “Meeting Christ must change our direction,” he said.
For the country, he said, this change means “rejecting corruption, choosing leaders with integrity, refusing to accept injustice as normal, and teaching the young to dream honestly.”
The archbishop concluded, saying, “The star of the Epiphany is still shining over the Philippines today. The question is not whether the Star is there—but who is willing to follow it.”
