Mobilize & Ignite: Youth Action in Advancing Sustainable Solutions

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

An exciting event is on the horizon for Manila's youth!  On August 11, 2025, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with Clean Air Asia and BAN Toxics, will host an event called "Mobilize & Ignite: Youth Action in Advancing Sustainable Solutions to the Triple Planetary Crisis through Innovation and Partnership". This event, held at De La Salle University, will celebrate International Youth Day 2025 by spotlighting the leadership and creativity of Filipino youth in tackling some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

A Crisis, a Generation, and a Call to Action

The event focuses on the triple planetary crisis: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The goal is to empower young people to be agents of transformative change by developing inclusive and innovative solutions.

Central to the program are two initiatives funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF):

e-mobility ASAP Project.

Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project.

These projects highlight innovative approaches to environmental sustainability and public health.

The event will also officially launch two new youth-driven initiatives:

#GenZeroPh Campaign: A youth-led movement for toxic-free communities.

e-mobility Ideation Competition: A contest to find innovative, youth-led solutions for sustainable transport.

Unleashing Creativity: Event Highlights

The day is packed with activities designed to inspire and mobilize youth. Attendees will be able to participate in a variety of interactive segments aimed at fostering collaboration and showcasing youth-led solutions.

Social Media Action Zone (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Kick off the day in a vibrant space designed for creating social media content to promote digital advocacy.

Youth Talks and Voices Unplugged (9:35 AM - 10:35 AM): Hear from two youth speakers who will share powerful stories of environmental leadership and innovation. This will be followed by an interactive segment where participants can engage with live online tools.

Solutions Lab Workshop (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): This collaborative space will feature two youth-led sessions:

Pitching innovative e-mobility solutions.

A real-time social media reels competition to raise awareness about healthcare waste management.

Youth Pact Ceremony (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The event concludes with a symbolic ceremony where participants will share personal commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a ribbon installation and a "Capsule of Commitment". This powerful moment will highlight unity and shared responsibility for a sustainable future.

Join the Movement!

This event is a significant opportunity for the media and the public to witness firsthand the passion and innovative spirit of Filipino youth as they take on the triple planetary crisis. It’s a chance to see how young people are not just talking about change, but actively creating it.

Let's witness the future of sustainable solutions, led by the youth, as they "Mobilize & Ignite" for a better world! 

The Politics of Perception: Debunking the Alleged Alliance Between VP Sara Duterte and Former VP Leni Robredo

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a political landscape as fractured and volatile as the Philippines', any hint of an unusual alliance sends ripples—if not shockwaves—across the public consciousness. The latest controversy stems from former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, who made the eyebrow-raising claim that Vice President Sara Duterte and former Vice President Leni Robredo are allies—or at the very least, friends.

The reaction was swift and intense.

Atty. Barry Gutierrez, former spokesperson of Leni Robredo and a key figure in her 2022 presidential campaign, wasted no time in slamming the assertion. "Sara Duterte herself attacked Leni Robredo several times," he reminded the public. "She called her a fake VP and gave space to allegations of massive fraud in the 2016 elections. How is that friendly?"

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE NAGA VISIT

Much of the speculation about the so-called “alliance” traces back to a single moment: Vice President Sara Duterte’s unannounced visit to Robredo’s home in Naga City in August 2023. Trillanes now claims that this visit was “pre-arranged,” implying a clandestine meeting of political minds.

Gutierrez paints a very different picture: “[Robredo] received short notice that VP Duterte would drop by... If anything, it was VP Duterte who was banking on the buzz that the visit would generate.” The meeting, he emphasized, was neither coordinated nor cordial in a political sense. It was a courtesy call—one that stirred more controversy than consensus.

Indeed, even at the time of the visit, there was no joint statement, no photographed handshake outside the home, no hint of future collaboration. If anything, the incident looked like an opportunistic PR move by Duterte, not the forging of an alliance.

A QUESTION OF MOTIVES

So why would Trillanes, once a strong ally of Robredo and a staunch critic of the Dutertes, float such a narrative?

Some observers believe it’s all part of his ongoing campaign to promote Senator Risa Hontiveros as the ideal standard-bearer for the opposition in the 2028 presidential elections. In doing so, Trillanes appears to be undercutting Robredo’s influence and support base, perhaps hoping to clear the field for his preferred candidate.

But political commentators and ordinary citizens alike are questioning the wisdom of such tactics. “If he wants to promote Risa, then just promote Risa,” says one former supporter. “No need to get down and dirty like this. It’s not good for the opposition.”

Another laments: “Watak-watak na nga ang oposisyon, lalo pa niyang winawasak. It’s like he’s mounting a demolition job on Leni.”

Trillanes’ political career itself has been marked by turbulence. Once hailed as a brave oppositionist who took on the Duterte regime with fearlessness, he has now alienated many of his former allies. From Leila de Lima to Leni Robredo, few in the liberal bloc have been spared from his sharp rhetoric.

THE DANGEROUS GAME OF POLITICAL FICTION

In Philippine politics, perception often matters more than truth. The mere suggestion of a Robredo-Duterte alliance—however baseless—has the potential to demoralize supporters, fracture movements, and shift narratives. But responsible leadership requires more than bombastic soundbites; it demands integrity, clarity, and loyalty to the cause of truth.

The suggestion that Robredo—arguably the most vocal and credible face of the opposition during the Duterte presidency—would ally herself with the daughter of the very man she fiercely opposed is not only illogical, it’s a political insult.

Let us not forget: Sara Duterte has never retracted her claims against Robredo. She stood beside her father during his violent war on drugs and has defended his legacy more than once. Meanwhile, Leni Robredo has spent years advocating for human rights, transparency, and grassroots empowerment—principles that run counter to the Duterte playbook.

Their values are oil and water. An alliance between them is not only improbable—it’s politically suicidal for either side.

UNITY THROUGH STRATEGY, NOT SUSPICION

There is an urgent need for unity among opposition forces. But unity cannot be achieved through innuendo, manipulation, or strategic misinformation. If the goal is to challenge the entrenched dynasties and oppressive systems of Philippine politics in 2028, then it must begin with honesty and mutual respect among all opposition players.

The way forward lies in rational dialogue—not character assassination. If Senator Risa Hontiveros is to lead the opposition in 2028, let her leadership be built on merit, not on the ashes of others’ reputations.

THE FINAL VERDICT

CLAIM: Leni Robredo and Sara Duterte are allies.

Verdict: FALSE.

There is no substantial evidence to support any form of alliance or political collaboration between the two. Public records, statements from Robredo's team, and even their public postures suggest a wide ideological and personal gulf between them.

Trillanes' statement is not only baseless—it’s counterproductive. If anything, it weakens the opposition’s already fragile foundation at a time when unity should be the top priority.

In the words of seasoned observers: “There are no permanent allies in politics, only permanent interests.” But in this case, even the interests don’t align.

And if we want real change in 2028, let’s stop chasing shadows—and start building bridges based on truth.

GSIS Under Fire: Gambling with the Nation’s Trust and the Workers’ Future?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

When the stewards of public trust start playing with fire, it's the people who get burned.

This is the outrage ignited by the latest bombshell from the Senate, where Senator Risa Hontiveros exposed what could be one of the most appalling misuses of government funds in recent history: the alleged investment of over a billion pesos of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) funds into the online gambling industry.

Let that sink in. Money deducted monthly from the payslips of hardworking government employees — teachers, nurses, engineers, clerks, and uniformed personnel — may have been funneled into the very kind of activity that public servants are strictly prohibited from participating in.

Is this the kind of risk GSIS deems worthy of the people’s retirement?

A Betrayal of Public Trust

The GSIS exists for one purpose: to safeguard the future of those who serve the country. It is a lifeline — not a poker chip. Its duty is to invest prudently, manage responsibly, and ensure that government workers can retire with dignity.

But the accusation, if true, reveals a shocking breach of fiduciary duty. Instead of conservative and transparent investments that secure long-term gains, GSIS is now being linked to high-risk and ethically questionable ventures.

Ironically, while public employees are barred from even entering a casino, GSIS is allegedly plunging billions into online gambling firms.

What was the agency thinking?

The Cost of Careless Decisions

The timing couldn’t be worse. GSIS had recently voiced opposition to a proposed bill that would lower the mandatory retirement age to 56, citing concerns about long-term fund sustainability. And yet, this same agency is reportedly gambling away billions?

It’s a slap in the face to every civil servant who’s been denied benefits, who’s waited months for processing, or who’s been buried in bureaucracy when requesting a simple loan — only to be charged high interest and steep penalties on their own money.

This is more than financial mismanagement. This is moral bankruptcy.

Why We Need a Senate Investigation Now

Senator Risa Hontiveros has once again proven why she’s earned the trust of the people. Her relentless pursuit of truth and accountability is peeling back the layers of corruption that many would rather keep buried.

This isn’t just about one investment decision. It’s about a pattern of questionable priorities and opaque practices that have plagued GSIS for years. Unlike the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), which has earned a reputation for transparency, attractive member savings programs like MP2, and a culture of member engagement, GSIS has remained disturbingly silent.

Where are the development programs for members? Where are the innovative savings options? Where are the pension increases that retirees have been begging for?

It’s time for GSIS to come out of the shadows and face Congressional scrutiny.

Reform, Not Roulette: A Call to Action

We need to stop appointing political allies to run financial institutions meant to protect the people. GSIS should be led by a seasoned manager, not a political puppet. A person with no strings attached, whose only loyalty is to the welfare of the public.

Moreover, the 1.5 billion peso approving authority allegedly held solely by the GSIS General Manager — without needing board approval — must be reviewed immediately. That kind of unchecked power is a recipe for disaster. Every centavo must be traced, every investment contract made public, and every official involved held accountable.

Because this isn’t just about money. It’s about trust. It's about the future of millions of government workers who deserve better.

Paging PBBM: The Nation is Watching

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this is your administration. These are your appointees. If the allegations are true, then the integrity of your leadership is also on the line.

Your silence will be interpreted as consent. Your inaction as complicity.

Government workers don’t ask for much. They work hard, serve quietly, and hope that when retirement comes, the system they paid into for decades will be there for them.

Is that too much to ask?

Final Words: A Cry for Justice

To every government employee who has been sacrificing for years — know this: you deserve better.

Your retirement fund is not a casino bankroll. Your monthly contributions are not poker chips. Your loyalty to the nation should not be met with betrayal by the very institution meant to protect you.

We at Wazzup Pilipinas join the call for a full-scale Senate inquiry, for transparency, and for justice.

Because when the guardians of our future choose to gamble, it's not just money that's at stake — it's the very soul of our nation.

#NoToGamblingWithPensions

#GSISAccountabilityNow

#ProtectPublicServants

#SupportSenRisa

#TransparencyInGovernment