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For several years, OneNetworx entered into a close partnership with a non-life insurance provider, acting as their sales and marketing arm. We invested our time, resources, and trust—providing dedicated manpower, handling recruitment, training, and even covering operational expenses out of our own pocket. Our teams worked hand-in-hand, believing in a shared vision of growth and mutual success. We treated them not just as a business partner, but as part of our extended family.
But in early 2024, everything changed. Without warning, the company accused us of owing them a massive sum—an amount they claimed was overdue receivables, which we knew was grossly exaggerated and unsubstantiated. They used that claim to avoid paying the millions they owed us for advances we made for branch operations, employee salaries, and office improvements—expenses we covered due to their repeated delays in reimbursement. We also advanced company funds to pay valid insurance claims for clients and to cover commissions for agents, all because of their poor accounting processes. Even the commissions due to our company were never paid by this insurance provider. Additionally, equipment such as computers, printers, and even furniture that we purchased for their offices was never returned or reimbursed. Instead of open dialogue, they even had the nerve spreading damaging accusations to third parties, putting our reputation and credibility at risk. Worse, the sudden termination of our partnership, left our employees blindsided and terrified for their livelihoods. The sudden loss of income, the fear and uncertainty, and the public airing of unverified information created a wave of anxiety and despair across our organization. The betrayal was so deep, so personal, that it did not just shake our business—it shook our lives. The struggle and stress brought about by this company’s actions ran so deep that, tragically, we lost one of our employees. The pain of that loss is immeasurable. No amount of business recovery can ever bring back a life lost to the consequences of another’s injustice. This is a scar that will never fully fade. The Sting of Betrayal I remember the day everything changed for our company. My employees—good, hardworking people—were caught off-guard by a betrayal we never saw coming. Fear swept through our office like a cold wind. People who had families to support, dreams to pursue, and lives to build suddenly faced uncertainty and hopelessness. I saw the strength drain from their faces, and I knew—deep down—that this was not an accident. The company we trusted wanted us to suffer. They wanted to break us, to destroy what we had built with so much sacrifice. The pain of that memory still lingers. Every time I recall the fear in my employees’ eyes, the anger returns. I have moments where I want nothing more than to fight back with every legal recourse available. I know I could. I know I would have every right. I know they have violated our laws, our company's rights, and rights of the employees. But then, I remember—my trust in God must be greater than my desire for revenge. It’s already been a year but the anger and pain is still fresh, and the consequences are still real. There are days when I am tempted to let bitterness take root, when the injustice feels too heavy to bear. I even struggle with the irony of their company’s name—a name that claims to be a “house of God,” yet acted in ways that could not be further from His heart. But God’s word is clear: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” —Romans 12:19 (NIV) This verse is a daily reminder that vengeance is not mine to take. My anger, however justified, is not the answer. God sees what was done in secret; He knows the truth. Trusting God for Justice I believe, with all my heart, that God will fight for us. Just as He defended the Israelites against those who sought to destroy them, He will defend us. In the book of Exodus, God spoke to Moses and the Israelites as they stood trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea And throughout history, God has shown that He brings justice in His own perfect time. He punished the kingdoms that oppressed and betrayed His people . I trust that the same God who delivered justice then will deliver justice now. A Prayerful Ending To anyone reading this who has been betrayed, who has felt the sting of injustice and the temptation to fight back in anger—I see you. I feel your pain. But I encourage you to trust in God’s promise: He is our defender, our vindicator, and our refuge. Let us surrender our pain, our anger, and our desire for revenge to the One who knows all things. May we find peace in His justice, and hope in His love. Like me, I often say that I have already forgiven those who wronged us. But the truth is, there are still remnants of their injustices that remind me from time to time—painful echoes that resurface when I least expect them. The wounds may not always be visible, but they linger, quietly challenging my resolve to let go. Yet even in those moments, God’s words reassure me that He is silently fighting our battles. I may not always see His hand at work, but I trust Him. I trust that true justice—God’s justice—will come, in His perfect time and in His perfect way. So I choose to surrender my pain, my anger, and my longing for vindication to the One who sees all things. My heart finds rest in His promise: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” —Exodus 14:14 Soon, justice will be served—not by my own hand, but by the hand of the One who is my Defender. Excerpt & Dedication: This article is dedicated to the memory of our beloved colleague, Rex Michael Bactad (Facebook). His life was a testament to dedication and kindness, and his loss is a pain we carry every day. We honor him by seeking truth, justice, and by holding on to faith that God will make all things right. We will find justice soon.
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It’s been nearly a year since my company, OneNetworx, was brought to the brink of collapse by the actions of a business partner—a non-life insurance company I once trusted. The wounds from that experience run deep. The memories are still vivid: sleepless nights, anxious days, and the heavy burden of responsibility for my employees whose livelihoods were threatened by someone else’s mismanagement and broken promises. The Weight of Betrayal What happened wasn’t just a business setback. It was a betrayal that shook the very foundation of everything I had built. Our operations were disrupted, our financial reserves drained by unpaid replenishments, and the emotional toll on my team was immeasurable. Even after all this, the company responsible had the audacity to twist the narrative, casting blame on us and tarnishing our reputation in the market. I was angry—so angry that I wanted nothing more than to confront their top management, to bring legal complaints against each of them, and to see them suffer the same way they made us suffer. I wanted justice, but if I’m honest, I wanted revenge. Consumed by the Fire For almost a year, I prepared for battle. My legal team and I gathered evidence, spoke with people in high places, and planned every move to ensure that this company and its officers would be held accountable. The anger inside me was a fire that burned relentlessly, fueling my resolve to fight back and destroy those who had hurt me and my company. But anger is a double-edged sword. It can drive us, but it can also consume us. I found myself growing weary—not just physically, but spiritually. The burden of carrying so much hatred and pain began to weigh on my soul. A Moment of Surrender In my darkest moments, I turned to prayer. I asked God for guidance. I told Him that I was willing to forgive, but I also wanted to teach those who hurt me a hard lesson. Deep down, I knew that what I was seeking wasn’t just justice—it was revenge. I opened my Bible and searched for answers. And there, in the quiet moments of reflection, I found a message I didn’t expect: “Do not take revenge… but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) The Power of Forgiveness Forgiveness isn’t easy. It doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or pretending that the pain isn’t real. But forgiveness is a choice—a decision to let go of the anger and trust that God will fight our battles for us. As I prayed, I felt the weight begin to lift. I realized that holding on to anger and plotting revenge would only keep me trapped in the past. True freedom comes from letting go and allowing God to bring justice in His own time and in His own way. Moving Forward with Faith I still believe in accountability. I still believe in standing up for what is right. But I’ve chosen to let go of the desire for revenge. I’ve chosen to forgive—not because they deserve it, but because I refuse to let their actions define my future or poison my heart. God has a way of turning our deepest wounds into sources of strength and wisdom. My journey through hurt, anger, and struggle has taught me that surrender is not weakness—it is the ultimate act of faith. By letting go, I’ve made space for healing, for new beginnings, and for the quiet assurance that God is fighting my battles, even when I cannot see it. A Final Word If you find yourself in a season of betrayal or pain, know that you are not alone. It’s okay to feel angry. It’s okay to grieve. But don’t let the darkness consume you. Bring your pain to God, and trust Him to bring justice in ways you never could. Forgive—not because they are worthy, but because you are. Let God write the ending to your story. He is always faithful, and He will fight for you. As I look back on this journey, I am reminded that even in the darkest valleys, God’s presence brings hope and healing. The pain, anger, and struggle were real—but so is the grace that allowed me to forgive and move forward. My prayer is that anyone facing betrayal or injustice will find the strength to surrender their battles to God and experience the freedom that only forgiveness can bring.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21 (NIV) “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” — Romans 12:19 (NIV) Relationships, whether personal or professional, are built on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. At OneNetworx, we value collaboration and partnerships as essential elements for growth and success. However, our experience with a non-life insurance partner taught us a hard but valuable lesson: not all partnerships are built to last, and not all are rooted in fairness or integrity. This article explores the importance of approaching relationships with realism and discernment, drawing from our experience with this partner to highlight the need for vigilance in safeguarding your company’s interests. The Betrayal of Trust Our partnership with this non-life insurance partner began with optimism and a shared vision for growth. OneNetworx went above and beyond to support them, acting as their marketing arm, setting up satellite offices, hiring staff, and even funding renovations and operational costs. These efforts were driven by our commitment to the partnership and our belief in helping both companies thrive. Unfortunately, as the partner grew and reached new heights, they turned their back on us. Millions of pesos in advances, reimbursements, and operational costs were left unpaid. Despite our unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, they failed to honor their promises and obligations. Instead, we were met with unfulfilled commitments, dissemination of unverified information, and a refusal to acknowledge the contributions that helped build their success. This betrayal not only strained our finances but also tested our resilience as a company. It forced us to mortgage personal assets, take out loans, and redirect resources to sustain our operations. While the experience was painful, it became a powerful lesson in navigating partnerships with caution and realism. Trust Wisely, Not Blindly Our experience with this non-life insurance partner underscores the importance of being discerning about whom to trust. Not all partnerships, no matter how promising they may seem, are worth the risk. While trust is essential in any relationship, it must be earned and backed by accountability. In our case, we learned that even seemingly strong partnerships can falter when one party prioritizes self-interest over mutual benefit. This realization has shaped how we approach future collaborations, ensuring that agreements are clear, obligations are honored, and trust is not misplaced. Balancing Relationships and Business Goals Relationships are vital to business success, but they must align with your company’s goals and values. At OneNetworx, we continue to build partnerships that are rooted in mutual respect, transparency, and shared growth. However, we now approach these relationships with a greater sense of realism, ensuring that our interests are protected and that we are not left vulnerable to betrayal. This balance between trust and caution is key to maintaining healthy relationships while safeguarding your company’s future. Letting Go of Ego and Moving Forward One of the most challenging aspects of navigating a broken partnership is letting go of ego and focusing on the bigger picture. At OneNetworx, we chose to rise above the betrayal and channel our energy into rebuilding and moving forward. By surrendering our struggles to God and trusting in His guidance, we found the strength to overcome adversity and refocus on our mission. This experience has not only made us stronger but has also reinforced our commitment to building a company that values integrity, resilience, and collaboration. The story of our partnership with the non-life insurance partner serves as a reminder that relationships, while valuable, must be approached with caution and discernment. Trust is a cornerstone of any successful collaboration, but it must be earned and maintained through accountability and mutual respect. As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering genuine connections and partnerships that align with our values and goals. By learning from the past and embracing a more realistic approach to relationships, we are better equipped to navigate the challenges of business and build a brighter future for OneNetworx. Final Thoughts: Key Reminders for Start-Ups on Partnerships For start-up companies, building business partnerships is both an exciting opportunity and a potential risk. As you navigate your own growth journey, keep these reminders in mind to safeguard your business and maximize the benefits of collaboration:
Approach each opportunity with optimism, but also with the discipline and caution that every start-up needs to thrive. Your diligence today will lay the groundwork for sustainable, rewarding relationships tomorrow. You might be interested reading this article: |
Angelo "Jojo" Villamejor
President/CEO of OneNetworx AuthorMy journey with Onenetworx has been nothing short of transformative, and I'm excited to share my insights and experiences with you through this blog. Archives
November 2025
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