Broadcast journalist and documentarist Atom Araullo did not mince words as he expressed frustration over the recurring cycle of corruption in the Philippines, saying that the outrage Filipinos feel today is something he has “seen before.”
In an interview with veteran broadcaster Luchi Cruz-Valdes on her YouTube channel, the GMA News anchor admitted that like many Filipinos, he feels angry and dismayed over the government’s repeated corruption scandals.
“I know that sometimes we have to restrain ourselves as journalists in saying what we feel but, on the other hand, I think it reflects how many people feel about corruption in government,” Atom said.
He believes that journalists, while expected to remain objective, are also human — and it’s okay for them to show frustration when corruption persists.
“Pana-panahon, maganda rin ipakita ‘yun sa mga tao — na valid ‘yung mga nararamdaman ninyo kasi kahit kaming nagbabantay sa gobyerno, alam namin ‘yan. Nakakainis din talaga,” he emphasized.
Atom was also asked about his recent social media post criticizing politicians for their “performative outrage” — or the tendency of some officials to publicly express anger at corruption without taking meaningful action.
“I’m young enough to be still outraged but I’m a little older to know that this has happened before and I watched this movie before,” he said. “Ang dami ng corruption scandals in the past, pero each and every time na nagkakaroon ng ganitong klaseng outrage, it rises and fades. I’ve seen that before.”
Despite his frustration, Atom said he chooses to focus on learning from the situation instead of losing hope.
“Nakakagalit na paulit-ulit lang, but at the same time, meron ding lesson doon for me. Hindi natin pwedeng gawin ‘yung ginagawa lang din natin dati — magkakaroon ng konting galit, maniningil, siguro may mananagot pero ‘yung mga small time lang,” he reflected.
As one of the most respected journalists of his generation, Atom also underscored the importance of adapting to the changing media landscape while upholding integrity and truth.
“Kailangan alam natin paanong sumabay pero hindi lamang sumabay na parang nagpaagos, kundi maging leaders din. Maging parang voice of reason,” he said. “Oo, nagbabago ‘yung mundo natin, pero kailangan pa rin natin panghawakan ‘yung mga values natin.”
Atom’s remarks come amid mounting public anger over the alleged multibillion-peso corruption scandal involving flood control projects. Like many Filipinos, he acknowledges the exhaustion that comes with seeing history repeat itself — but urges everyone, especially those in media, to stay vigilant and principled in the fight against corruption.
