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GMA Network
19 hours ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Atom Araullo urges young journalists: Be brave, responsible in the digital age
For award-winning journalist Atom Araullo, truth-telling is no longer just the job of newsrooms; it now belongs to everyone with a phone and a platform. The GMA Integrated News anchor and documentarist was in Cebu on Friday, July 4, 2025, to serve as commencement speaker in the 86th commencement ceremony of the University of the Philippines Cebu. Araullo, an alumnus of UP Diliman, anchors "State of the Nation" and creates documentaries for "The Atom Araullo Specials" and "I-Witness." Before the graduation ceremony began at 2 p.m., Araullo faced the local press during which he shared his thoughts on journalism, social responsibility, and how young people can shape public conversation. 'Everybody, I think, today, should consider themselves a journalist,' Araullo said. 'Because the way we use social media is shorthand for how we do our job. So we gather information, we verify the proof or veracity of that information. And we make a decision whether or not to post it, to amplify it, to comment about it,' he added. Araullo encouraged young journalists to embrace their voice and purpose, even in an age where professional media "no longer have the monopoly of information." 'I always tell young journalists to be bolder, believe that they have a voice — and that their voice, in a way, is even more influential than people who work in mainstream media, because that is the power of youth,' he said. 'You are unblemished, in a way, and there is an assumption that you're just working for your future. So be courageous, and also show the way to people and older journalists who might be becoming jaded through the years,' he added. He added that activism and truth-telling are not limited to big acts but can happen quietly within personal circles. 'You don't have to fight with people you don't know online. It's a waste of energy. But if you have chat groups — family chat groups — maybe your uncle posted something like this, or maybe your aunt posted something like this… we should start with our immediate circle and make sure that we're being part of the solution,' he said. Araullo also warned against the dangers of unchecked technology and artificial intelligence (AI), calling for clear ethical boundaries early on. 'With AI, we should be… Well, hopefully, we've learned our lesson. This early, we should already set the guardrails,' he said. 'We should engage and we should use it in a way that is open-minded. We should know that it can be used for bad purposes. At the same time, we should also accept that it's here. It's like a Pandora's box. You open it, there's no putting it back,' he added. UP Cebu President Angelo A. Jimenez emphasized the role of scientific innovation in activism, saying that today's revolution comes from labs, not just the streets. 'Activism should be a way of life… Every time Atom Araullo exposes a social injustice, that's activism,' he said. 'They say activism is trying to overthrow the government. But really, the most revolutionary changes that has happened in the world are created in science laboratories… activism is conducted in quieter places, in simple places, in calm places,' he added. A total of 480 students graduated across nine programs this 2025, stepping into a world where, as Jimenez reminded them, meaningful change can come from both quiet work and bold action, 'from the regions, for the nation.' A MESSAGE OF HUMILITY AND SERVICE In his speech, Araullo opened up about his own uncertainties, calling himself an introvert and sharing that he skipped his own graduation ceremony in 2005 for no deep reason, just because he was 'a corny student, feeling cool.' To make up for it, he said he brought his parents with him to UP Cebu, 20 years later, to finally march with them by his side. 'The truth is, this celebration is not just for students, but also for the people who supported you on this journey… You are here not just for yourself, but also for them,' he said. The seasoned journalist didn't present himself as someone with all the answers, but instead offered hard-earned insights from two decades of navigating what he called a 'chaotic, ever-changing, beautiful, but often heartbreaking world.' Araullo also reminded the graduates of the role they now play in shaping the future of a country that remains both beautiful and deeply unequal. 'The Philippines is a country of breathtaking beauty, and Filipinos are a people of myriad talents… But behind every celebration of Filipino pride is a harsh and undeniable truth: millions still live every day in conditions of uncertainty, injustice, and marginalization,' he said. He urged the graduates to understand, not judge, and to walk with the poor and the unheard, not out of charity, but out of justice. 'You don't have to be poor to stand with the poor. You just have to care enough to act, because in the end we are only as strong and as successful as the most vulnerable among us.' He also spoke out on the war in Gaza, calling it a genocide and encouraging graduates not to look away. 'The killing of children, the destruction of homes, hospitals, and schools — these are crimes that history will remember. And it will ask us, 'Where were you? What did you say? And what did you do?'' he said. He further added that 'service is not a sacrifice, it is a privilege. And understanding is not weakness, it is the foundation of strength.'
The Star
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Second 'people power' lessons for Sara Duterte trial from Joseph Estrada's fall
MANILA: As Joseph 'Erap' Estrada's presidency fell in 2001, the government that was brought to power by the protest of millions of people on EDSA started to exact accountability from the one who once promised to lift the poor out of poverty. But while it ended well, Estrada eventually walked out of prison, only a few weeks after his conviction for two counts of plunder, and for a UP Diliman professor of political science, it was a clear indication that 'the powerful have advantages.' The 'revolution' on Jan 16 to 20, 2001 was a show of dissent — people believed that the trial in the Senate, marked by the refusal of 11 senators to open an envelope that could serve as the smoking gun to convict Estrada, will not hold him liable. Like the one in 1986 that ended a 20-year dictatorship, millions of people crowded the streets and called on Estrada to resign. It was a protest against corruption, a display of power that will always be greater than the presidency and any one in government. With the refusal of 11 senators, Aquilino 'Nene' Pimentel Jr. resigned as Senate president and walked out of the session hall, together with nine other senators who voted to open the 'second envelope.' This triggered Filipinos to converge on EDSA on the night of Jan 16. The next day, Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, as he did in 1986, called on the people to take part in the protest, which grew immensely. ALSO READ PART ONE: The rise and fall of Joseph Estrada: From people's champion to disgraced Philippine president As more people came, a kilometres-long human chain was formed from Ayala Avenue in Makati City to the EDSA Shrine on Jan 18, signalling to Estrada that millions of Filipinos were already demanding his resignation. But even as the police and the military withdrew their support and eventually took part in the protest, Estrada asserted that he will not resign, calling on TV for a snap presidential election on May 14 but without him as candidate. This, however, was only viewed as his way to still hold on to the presidency. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was then the vice president, took her oath of office as president before Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide on Jan 20, the same day Estrada left Malacanang without making an official resignation. A few months after his ouster, the Ombudsman filed two charges against Estrada before the Sandiganbayan: one for plunder and one for perjury, which is a case he was later cleared from. The plunder charge consisted of four cases: > Receiving P545 million worth of payoffs from illegal gambling > Diverting P130 million in excise tobacco taxes to his own use > Bagging P189 million worth of commission from the sale of the shares of Belle Corporation to government pension funds > Maintaining a P3 billion bank account with the name 'Jose Velarde' Republic Act No. 7080, as amended, penalises public officials who 'amass immense wealth through a series or combination of overt or criminal acts described in the statute in violation of the public trust.' Estrada and his son, Jinggoy Estrada, were eventually arrested. They were both initially detained at the Veteran's Memorial Medical Center, but when the younger Estrada posted a P500,000 bail, his father was moved to Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. He was placed on house arrest at his rest house in Tanay, Rizal, close to a military camp. It was where Estrada stayed until and even after the Sandiganbayan rendered its decision on the case. It took over six years for the Sandiganbayan to reach a decision. Estrada, in 2007, was convicted of two counts of plunder — the acceptance of 'protection money' from illegal gambling and bagging commission in the sale of shares of a real estate company to government pension funds. He was cleared of the other two. His son, Jinggoy, was acquitted. As a result of the conviction, Estrada was sentenced to reclusion perpetua. The verdict likewise barred him from holding public office again, while millions worth of resources were ordered forfeited. > Over P545 million, with interest and income earned, inclusive of the amount of P200 million deposited in the name and account of the Erap Muslim Youth Foundation >P189 million, inclusive of interests and income earned, deposited in the 'Jose Velarde' account >The real property 'Boracay Mansion' located in New Manila, Quezon City The period within which Estrada has been in detention was credited to him. For political analyst Maria Ela Atienza, there was 'moral and legal victory in the fact that Estrada was impeached, forced out of the presidency, and convicted in court.' But his eventual release proved how powerful the elite are. Not even a year had passed when Arroyo, who rose to the presidency in the same 'revolution' that ousted Estrada, gave the latter an executive clemency through a pardon, which Estrada accepted on Oct 26 of the same year. It was believed that Arroyo's move was made for her to get advantage from the opposition and to deflect the charges of corruption within her own administration, as stated in a report by Reuters. But the pardon and his eventual release from detention paved the way for his political resurrection, even when his conviction carried a penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office. This, as he initiated a bid for the presidency in the 2010 elections, having then Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay as his candidate for vice president. While he lost to Benigno Aquino III, he received over nine million votes. Estrada, three years later, won as mayor of Manila. While his win was met with opposition, considering that he was barred from holding public office again, the Supreme Court said he was eligible. While Associate Justice Marvic Leonen pointed out that Estrada 'continues to suffer the penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification,' the Supreme Court, in an 11-3 vote, stressed that Estrada had the right to seek public office. Estrada was mayor of Manila for six years until 2019, when he lost his reelection bid to Isko Moreno-Domagoso, who was once his candidate for vice mayor back in 2013, the year that marked his political comeback. For Atienza, this is the reason that 'we have to impress upon presidents who have the power to pardon that it is not in their interest to pardon officials who commit high crimes.' - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
GMA Network
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
This new museum in Quezon City offers glimpse of post-war Philippines
Ever wondered what the Philippines looked like in the post-war era? No need to imagine — the newest museum in Quezon City brings the shining, shimmering 1950s to life. Welcome to Bahay Modernismo, a heritage museum nestled within the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Built using original architectural fragments from the former Aquino family home on Times Street, this modern bungalow-style house offers an immersive glimpse into the design, lifestyle, and cultural spirit of post-war Philippines. Curated by Gerald Lico, a professor of architecture at the UP Diliman (UPD) College of Architecture (CA), Bahay Modernismo welcomes guests with a nostalgic collection of household items and furniture from the 1950s to 1970s. A black-and-white television, vintage radio, typewriter, sewing machine, vinyl records, a phonograph, and even a few classic Liwayway magazines allow guests to travel back in time to post-war Philippines. The heritage museum features six rooms: a kitchen, a home office, an entertainment room, and three bedrooms, each thoughtfully curated to reflect the design and charm of the 1950s era. The museum also pays tribute to the golden age of Philippine cinema, featuring posters of classic films from the 1950s to the 1970s, along with photographs of iconic stars such as the late Gloria Romero, Nida Blanca, Nora Aunor, Lou Salvador, and other legends of Philippine showbiz. The museum is open to the public for free from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — LA, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
04-06-2025
- General
- GMA Network
UP Manila, UP Diliman among world's best universities in 2025
The University of the Philippines Manila and University of the Philippines Diliman are among the world's top universities in 2025 according to the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). The two schools were the only universities in the Philippines that were included in the 2025 edition of the Global 2000 list, which was published on June 2. Among 21,462 universities, UP Manila has an overall ranking of 1,677, representing the Top 7.9%, while UP Diliman ranked 1,784, garnering the Top 8.4%. UP Manila obtained an overall score of 67.4, a little bit higher than UP Diliman which obtained 67 points. The Manila-based university also has an employment rank of 1,047 and a research rank of 1,607. In addition to quality scientific and medical research, UP Manila also conducts studies on Artificial Intelligence, data science, digital information ecosystems, and personalized human-centered technologies. Meanwhile, UP Diliman's employment rank was not indicated, while its research rank is 1711. In the Asia Regional Rank, UP Manila placed 646, while UP Diliman ranked 696. Since 2012, CWUR has been publishing the academic ranking to help governments and universities improve educational and research outcomes. The universities are ranked by education (25%), employability (25%), quality of faculty (10%), and research (40%). In March 2025, UP Manila also secured the 479th spot in the top 500 Best Global Universities ranked by U.S. News & World Report. It was the only Philippine University in the ranking published by the U.S.-based digital media company. The rankings were based on 13 indicators that measure the educational institutions' academic research performance and their global and regional reputations, including the number of publications produced, total citations, books, international collaborations, conferences, regional research reputation, and global research reputation. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
