Screengrab from Inday Sara Duterte

Sara Duterte marked Earth Day with a pointed message, calling for stronger collective action on climate change while raising concerns over alleged corruption in climate-related infrastructure.

In a video released on Wednesday, Duterte emphasized simple but meaningful steps such as tree planting, urging Filipinos to take part in efforts to protect the environment. But beyond individual action, she highlighted what she described as a deeper issue affecting the country’s ability to respond to climate challenges.

“Ang korapsyon ng ating climate infrastructure ay isang tuwirang banta sa ating national security,” she said.

The Vice President’s remarks linked environmental protection with national security, suggesting that weaknesses in flood control and other climate infrastructure could leave communities more vulnerable to disasters.

Her message comes as the Philippines continues to face recurring threats from extreme weather events, including flooding and typhoons—issues often tied to both climate change and infrastructure readiness.

Duterte did not cite specific cases, but her statement adds to ongoing public discussions about transparency and accountability in major infrastructure projects tied to disaster mitigation.

As Earth Day highlights environmental awareness worldwide, the Vice President’s message underscored the need to balance grassroots action with systemic reforms, particularly in safeguarding critical climate infrastructure.