GMA Integrated News’ groundbreaking late-night newscast, Saksi, marks 30 years in television.
The program holds the distinction of being GMA Network’s longest-running news program, a testament to its commitment to integrity, truthfulness, and excellent reporting.
Saksi first aired its pilot episode on October 2, 1995, with the late broadcast legend Mike Enriquez as one of the anchors up to 2004. It originally occupied the primetime slot before transitioning to its current position in the late-night news block in 2002.
The show has been helmed by some of the most respected names in the industry, including former anchors and GMA Integrated News pillars Mel Tiangco (1996-1999), Vicky Morales (1999-2014), and Arnold Clavio (2004-2024). Broadcast journalist Pia Arcangel joined Saksi as one of the anchors in November 2014, and continues the show’s legacy of delivering news with clarity and perspective up to this date.
Throughout its 30-year run, Saksi has garnered significant local and international recognition for its excellence in news coverage and production, notably becoming the first news program in the country to win at the Asian TV Awards in 2000 and at the New York Festivals in 2003.
It has also received multiple recognitions from the Catholic Mass Media Awards for Best News Program (2001, 2010, 2021, 2022), the 12th PMPC Star Awards for Best News Program (1998), the US International Film and Video Festival Silver Screen for its Bagyong Ompong coverage (2019), and a win at The 20th Philippine Quill Awards (2024).
Building on this three-decade legacy, GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon honored Saksi’s enduring success and reflected on the program’s role as a cornerstone of the Network’s journalistic excellence.
“Congratulations to Saksi on reaching its 30th year. As GMA Network’s longest-running news program, Saksi has been a witness to history and a steadfast source of reliable journalism for Filipinos. This remarkable milestone honors the dedication of the people who have built and sustained the program, as well as the loyal audience who continue to watch night after night. May Saksi continue to inform and inspire Filipinos and remain a proud symbol of excellence in broadcast journalism for many more years.”
GMA Network President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. also congratulated the program, emphasizing its connection to the Network’s core values.
“For three decades, Saksi has embodied the values of integrity, service, and commitment to truth that define GMA Network. More than a nightly newscast, it has become a trusted companion to millions of Filipinos—witnessing pivotal moments in our nation’s history and giving voice to the stories of our people. Its legacy stands on the passion of those who built it over the years and the unwavering trust of its viewers. My heartfelt congratulations to Saksi!”
GMA Integrated News further reaffirms Saksi’s vital role in the Network, underscoring its commitment to “mas malaking misyon, mas malawak na paglilingkod sa bayan.”
“For the past three decades, Saksi has been a trusted late-night companion for Filipinos, delivering news and stories that matter. Its enduring presence is a testament to the hard work and passion of the men and women behind the program, as well as the unwavering trust of our viewers,” says Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso. “As Saksi celebrates this milestone, GMA Integrated News reaffirms its commitment to truthful reporting and continues to elevate the standards of journalism through impactful storytelling and genuine public service.”
The eyewitness in the digital age
Current anchor Pia Arcangel shared her insights on the evolving role of the late-night newscast in the digital age.
“In the past, we were focused mainly on providing news recaps and summaries of events that had happened during the day. But these days—with news that is more accessible throughout the day with the help of social media, viewers already know what’s happening or what has happened even before the newscast airs. So what the viewers need at night isn’t so much just a recap anymore—what they need is a clearer understanding of the news of the day,” Arcangel explained.
“That’s why writing and producing stories for the late-night newscast now also means breaking down each story and providing in-depth analysis and context to help the audience have a better grasp of current events and issues—we do this with longer story packages, more graphics, additional interviews, etc. At the end of the day, it’s about filling in the gap for the viewers.”
Arcangel also reflected on how anchoring Saksi has shaped her career: “Coming into the newscast, the bar had been set very high, and I knew that meant working hard to maintain the same levels of integrity and truthfulness. This also meant that I would have to remain true to the essence of the newscast.”
“Saksi literally means eyewitness—and that is what we have always been and what we continue to be. We try our best to live up to our name—and report the news firsthand. And I’m very grateful that Saksi has given me the opportunity to do these as an anchor—whether it’s going live from Quiapo to report on the Feast of the Black Nazarene, or from the wake of a former president, or even from abroad to cover international news like the reinstatement of a new monarchy that would impact Filipinos lives.”
In addition to hard news, Saksi has kept pace with changing viewer interests through a variety of engaging segments. Current popular segments include Barangay Saksi, Sakcess, Saksi Foodie, Tara Game, Showbiz Saksi, and Biyaheng Saksi.
As Saksi moves into its fourth decade, it remains dedicated to its mission of providing comprehensive, responsible, and timely reporting to the nation, living up to its name as the trusted eyewitness of Philippine news. For more updates on GMA Network, visit www.gmanetwork.com.
