For over a day, actor Dingdong Dantes has been trending on social media. But it’s not for any of his acting projects. Instead, he has been trending for his advocacy, particularly climate action, after he eloquently answered a netizen’s question.

An awareness boost

Giving climate change an awareness boost, Dingdong Dantes recently shared a Twitter thread by media and communications specialist Renee Karunungan Edwards. Giving brief but succinct points, the thread tackled reasons why typhoons in the country have been becoming more devastating and what actions Filipinos can take.

Quoting the tweet, the actor added: “At this point, it should be clear to everyone that addressing climate change should also be a priority for the country. Dadaan at dadaan ang marami pang bagyo sa bansa. There should be no excuse for us not to be prepared anymore.” He also called for the public to participate in efforts to mitigate climate change.

While our government is strengthening its efforts and policies in making sure that the right systems are in place to help secure the safety of every Filipino family, we also need to streamline public participation & have a more sustainable mechanism already for volunteers.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) November 1, 2022

A netizen’s question

In response to the actor’s tweet, netizen @danibatungbakal pointed out that Dingdong Dantes is also a gasoline company endorser, the implication being that such an endorsement goes against what the actor has been espousing.

Aren’t you a gasoline company endorser, tho?

— Dani (@danibatungbakal) November 1, 2022

The actor’s answer

Not shying away from the netizen’s question, Dingdong Dantes confirmed that yes, he is an endorser of a gasoline company. But expounding on why he chose to endorse a gasoline franchise while also campaigning for climate action, the actor cited that the company he endorses is “committed to find alternatives to fossil fuel such as renewable fuels/biodiesel and hydrogen, and to invest in carbon reduction projects.”

Also, we are all still in an energy transition to low carbon. Our capacities and context as a developing nation prevent us from fully investing in renewable energy, which requires elaborate and expensive research and technology.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) November 2, 2022

He also pointed out that as a developing nation, our country isn’t able to fully invest in renewable energy, no matter how much we want to — hence, the reliance on fossil fuel. But he clarified: “this is not an excuse for us to not do our share. We have ‘common but differentiated responsibilities.’”

“If I can help raise awareness and influence brands that I work with towards social and environmental goals, then I will be more than willing to do so,” Dingdong Dantes concluded.

But— this is not an excuse for us to not do our share. We have “common but differentiated responsibilities”.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) November 2, 2022

So, in my own little way, if I can help raise awareness and influence brands that I work with towards social and environmental goals, then I will be more than willing to do so. While we wait for that day to come, there’s nothing wrong with caring, my friend. 😄

I wish you well.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) November 2, 2022

Netizens’ reactions

After his tweets went viral, netizens praised his gracious yet illuminating response to the question. One even expressed hope that he would campaign for more climate action from the company he endorses.

Proud to be DDS (Dingdong Dantes Supporter)

— Bryce | BORN FOREVER MAXIDENT ⤮ (@captainleeknow) November 2, 2022

this is literally the green flag: can educate you without making you feel stupid

not much of a dds (dingdong dantes stan) but this is making me feel kilig 🥰 https://t.co/avCk0XoxhV

— mich 🍩 (@michlawpez) November 2, 2022

Yup. It doesn’t mean he will uproot his family and live in a hut somewhere in the mountains. I do hope he uses his endorse status to also push for caltex to do more for the philippines when it comes to reducing our carbon emissions and protecting our environement.

— Daily Commuter (@reviewer2276) November 3, 2022

However, some believe that his response is simply an echo of public relations’ lines for corporate social responsibility, pointing out that the environmental campaigns of fuel companies still don’t make up for the carbon footprint they amass.

But CCS is not working as intended, nevermind the BILLIONS in subsidies they get, the amount of carbon generated in establishing and powering CCS plants doesn’t justify its would-be results. The question is SPEED not innovation. We have to arrest runaway climate change NOW.

— AlterPolom-OLOK (@katulugonrako) November 3, 2022

Some netizens also weren’t happy with how the question was posed, claiming it was a “rhetorical, blatant accusation.” The original questioner clarified that there was no ill intention towards the actor, also thanking the actor for his response. Another netizen pointed out that the question allowed Dingdong Dantes to clarify his stance and endorsement.

I’m sorry if it came across as an accusation. I have no ill intentions towards @dingdongdantes. It was a question from a fellow environment and climate advocate. I just typed the question — nothing more, nothing less. As plain as it can be.

— Dani (@danibatungbakal) November 2, 2022

why is @danibatungbakal getting hate tweets? his question was legit and it gave @dingdongdantes a chance to explain his side, which he did so rightfully. We are accountable for what we say in public, much so when one is a celebrity. with great power comes great responsibility.😅

— ElNiñoPrincipe (@ElNinaPrincessa) November 2, 2022

A staunch advocate

It’s not the first time the actor spoke out about climate change. Since its inception in 2015, Dingdong Dantes has been involved with #NowPH, a youth-led climate action campaign that he spearheaded during his time as commissioner-at-large for the National Youth Commission (NYC). In 2020, he also joined an online dialogue on climate action called “Now What? Climate Action #NowPH” following the disastrous flooding caused by typhoons Rolly, Ulysses, and Vicky.

What are your thoughts on the actor’s tweets?

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