Atom Araullo laments the corruption issue
Kapuso journalist Atom Araullo shared his thoughts on the corruption issue in the Philippines.
Atom started young in the world of news and current affairs. He was part of GMA’s defunct infotainment show 5 and Up. At a young age, he already showed his brilliance in front of the camera.
Eventually, he became a full-fledged broadcaster. For several years, he was a news anchor/reporter in the Kapamilya network. Then, Atom returned to GMA in 2017. Currently, he does documentaries for the news and public affairs program I-Witness, At times, he would do special coverage of events and issues.
Atom Araulo is also known for speaking his thoughts when it comes to social issues. In a recent interview on the YouTube channel of veteran journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdes, the Kapuso broadcaster said there is nothing wrong with sharing your opinion, even though you are a journalist.
Previously, he spoke about the “performative outrage” of some lawmakers and government officials, but they were the ones who were involved in corruption issues.
Atom was aware that the journalists somehow stop themselves from really speaking up when it comes to issues in the country.
“I know that sometimes we have to restraining 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,” the award-winning documentarist said.
For him, journalists also have the right to express their anger, just like other people do. He said that it is to show that what they are feeling is valid as ones who are watching the government.
“Nakakainis din talaga,” Atom said. In the same interview, the Kapuso broadcaster was also asked about his “performative outrage.” Atom said that he has seen this narrative before, and corruption issues in the government have already happened in the past.
“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. 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,” Atom said.
However, behind the anger that he feels, he is focused on what he could learn from the situation. It is indeed getting an angry reaction from him because things keep on repeating with the anticipation that somehow someone will be held accountable.
Meanwhile, being a journalist, Atom Araullo believed that everyone has to adapt well to the changes that times bring, especially when it comes to presenting news.
“Kailangan alam natin paanong sumabay pero hindi lamang sumabay na parang nagpaagos, kundi maging leaders din. Maging parang voice of reason–– oo, nagbabago ‘yung mundo natin, pero kailangan pa rin natin panghawakan ‘yung mga values natin,” Atom said.