“This is the Real State of the Nation”: Greenpeace Dares President Marcos to Make Climate Polluters Pay

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As waist-deep floods once again drowned communities across the Philippines, a haunting image emerged from Cainta, Rizal—a soaked cardboard effigy of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. floating in brown floodwater, hemmed in by bold banners declaring: “This is the State of the Nation” and “Make Climate Polluters Pay.” It wasn’t just a protest. It was a wake-up call.

Just days before President Marcos delivers his State of the Nation Address (SONA 2025), Greenpeace Philippines has laid bare a powerful visual truth: our nation is submerged, not just in floodwater, but in a climate crisis spiraling out of control. With monsoon rains exacerbated by storm systems like #CrisingPH, #EmongPH, and #DantePH, many parts of Luzon have turned into waterlogged battlefields—proof that climate change is not a distant threat, but a daily catastrophe.

And yet, the real culprits remain untouched.

The Real State of the Nation: Drenched in Injustice

The image from Cainta is a metaphor made real. While families scramble to save what little they have from the floodwaters, fossil fuel giants—the oil, coal, and gas companies—continue to rake in profits from the very pollution that supercharges our storms. Greenpeace is demanding accountability, not just sympathy. They call on the President to turn his words into action by leading the charge for climate justice, and finally making the climate polluters pay.

This isn’t just about funding disaster response. This is about historical responsibility. According to decades of scientific research and policy advocacy, just a handful of companies are responsible for the majority of global carbon emissions. The Philippines, despite contributing less than 0.4% of global greenhouse gases, is among the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. That disparity is no longer tolerable.

A Test of Leadership

As climate disasters grow in frequency and ferocity, President Marcos is standing at a crossroads. In previous addresses, he has acknowledged the reality of climate change. But acknowledgment is not action. The Filipino people deserve more than platitudes; they deserve protection, investment in climate resilience, and reparations from those most responsible for their suffering.

Greenpeace's protest is not just a rebuke—it is a demand for moral courage. Climate justice groups across the globe have launched the #MakeClimatePollutersPay campaign, urging governments to push back against the fossil fuel industry’s chokehold on global policy and public health.

Will President Marcos side with the people, or will he continue to allow fossil fuel corporations to operate with impunity?

The Urgency of the CLIMA Bill

Central to the campaign is the urgent passage of the Climate Accountability (CLIMA) Bill—a proposed legislation that seeks to compel major polluters to provide compensation for the loss and damage caused by climate-induced disasters in the Philippines. This would be a landmark move that shifts the financial burden of climate recovery from taxpayers and victims to the very industries that fueled the crisis.

The Philippines has the opportunity to lead the Global South in pioneering legal frameworks for climate reparations. But this won’t happen unless the nation’s highest leadership throws its full support behind it.

Voices from the Flood

In the flooded streets of Cainta, residents watched as the cardboard cutout of the President bobbed along the murky waters. For them, the protest wasn’t symbolic—it was their reality.

One local mother, cradling a baby while bailing water from her home, told volunteers: “Paulit-ulit na lang. Baha dito, baha doon. Pero kailan ba talaga mananagot ang mga tunay na salarin?” (It keeps happening. Floods here, floods there. But when will the real culprits be held accountable?)

It is a heartbreaking question. One that can no longer be ignored.

A Nation Demands Climate Justice

Greenpeace’s bold action in Cainta isn’t just a prelude to the President’s SONA—it is a referendum on his legacy. If President Marcos truly wants to be remembered as a leader for future generations, he must declare a war not on nature, but on the exploiters of nature.

Let this year's SONA be more than ceremony. Let it be a turning point. Let it be the moment the Philippines finally said: “No more.”

The floodwaters are rising. The people are watching. And history is waiting to see if President Marcos will lead not just with speeches—but with justice.

TORRE VS. BASTE IN THE BOXING RING? A SHOWDOWN OF POWER, PRIDE, AND PURPOSE

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a stunning twist that feels like a scene straight out of a political thriller, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Nicolas Torre III, has boldly accepted the challenge thrown his way — not in a court of law, not in a public debate, but in the raw, unrelenting arena of a boxing ring.

The challenger? None other than Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, son of former President Rodrigo Duterte and an emerging political force in his own right.

The stakes? More than just pride and power. It’s about raising funds to help victims of Typhoon Crising and the devastating effects of the Habagat.

FROM WORDS TO FISTS: HOW DID WE GET HERE?

The idea of two prominent figures — one the chief law enforcer of the nation, the other a high-ranking political heir from a powerhouse family — trading blows in a boxing ring would have been dismissed as absurd just a few months ago.

But in the Philippines, where drama and spectacle often collide with politics, nothing is ever off the table.

What started as tension-laced exchanges and veiled statements apparently reached a boiling point when Baste Duterte challenged Torre to a fistfight. Instead of de-escalating or hiding behind protocol, Gen. Torre doubled down.

"Kung suntukan ang gusto niya, handa akong kumasa," Torre said, his voice calm but unflinching. "Pero dapat may kabuluhan — gawin nating charity fight para makatulong sa mga biktima ng kalamidad."

The Chief’s response was not merely machismo. It was a masterstroke of leadership optics — turning a potentially shameful showdown into an opportunity for heroism.

FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE

Instead of fueling more political tension, Torre reframed the confrontation as a noble effort to support the thousands displaced and devastated by natural disasters in recent weeks.

Typhoon Crising, followed by torrential rains from the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), has left a trail of destruction, flooding homes, displacing families, and claiming lives. Relief efforts continue to struggle against overwhelming need.

“Let’s channel our energy into something meaningful,” Torre added. “If we’re going to fight, let it be for the people who need our help.”

The challenge, now, has transformed into a symbolic bout — not just of two men, but of two ideologies, two regions, and two towering personalities.

TORRE VS. BASTE: WHAT IT MEANS

This isn’t just about fists flying.

This is about the militarized force of national law enforcement facing off against one of Mindanao’s most powerful political names — a Duterte, whose family legacy is built on dominance, populism, and unapologetic machismo.

It’s also about public accountability. It tests the boundaries between professionalism and persona, between leadership and spectacle.

Critics argue the fight trivializes their duties. Supporters, however, see it as a bold gesture of humanity and strength, proof that even giants can step into the ring for something greater than ego.

WILL IT HAPPEN?

While both parties have made public statements, logistics and security remain a huge concern. Will this be staged professionally with medics and referees, or will it fall apart as another media stunt?

The public, however, is already fired up.

Social media is abuzz with memes, mock posters, and calls to livestream the event, with proceeds to benefit relief operations. Others have called for corporate sponsors and even suggested undercards featuring other feuding politicians.

One netizen wrote, “If this becomes Pay-Per-View, I’d gladly pay knowing it’s for the victims. Let’s make accountability entertaining.”

BEYOND THE RING

Whether or not fists actually fly, the symbolism of this challenge has already left a powerful imprint.

It shows how Filipino leaders, for better or worse, are willing to step out of their ivory towers — literally — to face each other in the open. It reveals the tension simmering beneath alliances, the clash of temperaments, and the sheer unpredictability of politics in the Philippines.

But most importantly, it highlights how the Filipino spirit can turn even conflict into an avenue for compassion.

Because if this face-off can genuinely raise millions to help those in need, then maybe — just maybe — it’s a fight worth having.

In the end, this is not about who knocks out whom.

It’s about who truly stands for the people when the gloves come off.

So, will it be General Torre or Mayor Baste?

Either way, let’s hope the real winner is the Filipino people.

Linger Longer, Discover Deeper: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Immersive Voyages Redefine Travel for 2025–2026

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a world of fleeting vacations and surface-level sightseeing, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is boldly redefining what it means to explore. With its newly unveiled 2025 and 2026 itineraries, NCL is inviting travelers not just to visit destinations—but to linger longer and truly connect with the soul of a place. Through specially curated sailings with overnight port stays, guests have the rare opportunity to dive deeper into the heartbeat of cities that come alive after dark.

This is not your average cruise. This is an invitation to stay out past curfew with the world’s most magnetic cities—and fall in love with travel all over again.

"Travel Shouldn't Be Rushed—It Should Be Remembered."

That’s the core message from Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director of NCL APAC, who champions a more meaningful style of exploration. “The magic of many destinations doesn't end at sunset—it begins,” he says. “Our overnight sailings empower travelers to slow down, savor the moment, and experience places in their full, unfiltered beauty.”

Here are five handpicked destinations from NCL’s upcoming voyages that promise unforgettable overnight experiences—each one offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and late-night wonder.

Reykjavik, Iceland: Chase Midnight Light and Geothermal Dreams

The Northern sun never quite sets in Reykjavik, allowing travelers to plunge into the surreal geothermal Sky Lagoon even at midnight with daylight still dancing on the horizon. The Icelandic capital’s overnight itinerary transforms travel from sightseeing into a saga—letting guests explore the Golden Circle’s raw natural wonders by day and unwind in thermal bliss by night.

Sailing: Norwegian Prima

Date: 14 September 2025

Ports: London, Paris, Belfast, Norway’s fjords, with an overnight in Reykjavik.

Copenhagen, Denmark: Where Fairytales Meet Fine Dining

With a cityscape straight from a storybook, Copenhagen turns magical when the sun dips behind the Nyhavn waterfront. The scent of smørrebrød lingers in the air, and Tivoli Gardens lights up in a nostalgic glow. Guests get the rare privilege of wandering palace courtyards, indulging in Michelin-star dining, and spinning in antique carousels—all in one unforgettable night.

Sailing: Norwegian Prima

Date: 9 October 2025

Ports: Includes Helsinki, Amsterdam, Berlin, and an overnight in Copenhagen.

Hamburg, Germany: A Symphony of Culture and Nightlife

Dubbed Germany’s gateway to the world, Hamburg delivers an electric mix of heritage and hedonism. With an overnight stay, travelers can sway to live symphonies at the Elbphilharmonie, cruise the Aster River, and dive headfirst into the pulsing energy of the Reeperbahn—Europe’s boldest nightlife strip.

Sailing: Norwegian Dawn

Date: 9 September 2025

Ports: Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and an overnight in Hamburg.

Istanbul, Turkey: A Tale of Two Continents

No other city straddles two worlds quite like Istanbul, where East meets West in a mosaic of minarets, spice bazaars, and ancient palaces. With overnight sailings, travelers can sip Turkish tea in Sultanahmet, lose themselves in the Grand Bazaar, and even extend their journey to Cappadocia for a sunrise balloon flight over surreal landscapes.

Sailing: Norwegian Viva

Dates: 24 August, 2 or 11 September 2025

Ports: Includes Greek Isles and an overnight in Istanbul.

Livorno, Italy: Tuscany After Twilight

While others rush through Florence or Pisa in a single afternoon, NCL lets you breathe in the Tuscan air through moonlit walks along the Terrazza Mascagni and candlelit dinners featuring the freshest catch at Livorno’s harbor. This is Italy without the crowds, where time slows and life feels fuller.

Sailing: Norwegian Breakaway

Dates: 9 September or 28 October 2025

Ports: Includes Barcelona, Cannes, Rome, and an overnight in Livorno.

What Makes NCL the Choice for the Curious Traveler?

NCL’s newest cruise offerings are not just about destinations—they’re about depth. With the innovative More At Sea™ program, guests enjoy:

Over $2,000 worth of perks including premium dining, entertainment, and spa access*

Flexible accommodation from solo traveler studios to luxury suites

Expanded port time with late departures and overnights for richer cultural immersion

World-class service and award-winning onboard experiences

With overnights in ports around the world, NCL is unlocking the after-hours magic of travel, where new cultures, flavors, and friendships await beyond the traditional tourist trail.

Book Now. Linger Longer. Live More.

Whether you dream of soaking in Icelandic hot springs at midnight, twirling under lanterns in Tivoli, or sipping raki with locals in a back-alley meyhane in Istanbul—Norwegian Cruise Line promises a voyage that doesn’t just take you places, but lets you live them.

For bookings, visit www.ncl.com or contact:

Hong Kong: +852 800 901 951

Southeast Asia: +65 3165 1680

Let the world linger with you.

Terms and conditions apply. More At Sea™ value is based on a 7-day Balcony cabin cruise. Select sailings offer overnight stays and inclusions vary. Visit www.ncl.com for complete details.