MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan called on Filipino youth to channel their energy and optimism into demanding accountability and systemic change, linking the fight against corruption to the pursuit of environmental sustainability.

Speaking as keynote at the Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum at the National University, Pangilinan said many government shortcomings in sustainability stem from entrenched corrupt practices.

“Kayo ang henerasyon na sa wakas ay hindi lang gagawing trending hashtag ang sustainability. Gagawin ninyo rin itong isang pamumuhay, isang sistema, isang kultura,” he said.

“Corruption is unsustainable. Isa sa pinakamalaking threat sa ating kinabukasan,” Pangilinan added, describing corruption as “the ultimate budget vampire” that diverts public funds from meeting the daily needs of Filipinos.

He referenced the United Nations’ warning that without progress on Sustainable Development Goal 16 — which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions — other SDGs, including clean energy, regenerative agriculture, and climate action, risk falling short.

“Walang clean energy. Walang regenerative agriculture. Walang climate change strategy. Walang kinabukasan. Kaya totoo, hindi lamang imoral ang katiwalaan: kontra-kinabukasan, kontra-kabataan,” Pangilinan said.

The senator encouraged young people to leverage social media to amplify the struggles of ordinary Filipinos, while also extending their activism into classrooms, organizations, communities, and daily life.

“We are in crisis. So I ask you, what are you doing? Ano ang ginagawa niyo? Nawa’y maninindigan din kayo. Tataya din kayo. Kikilos din kayo. Makikibahagi din kayo,” he said.

“Kapangyarihan ang inyong mga plataporma bilang mga kabataan. Gamitin sa tama,” he added.

Amid what he describes as the country’s largest corruption scandal, Pangilinan urged the youth to speak for the voiceless and carry forward the legacy of young leaders from the EDSA Revolution, pressing for transparency and accountability in government.