Kuya Kim Atienza, tinanggap ang paghingi ng tawad ng isang pari matapos ang maselang usapin
- Kim Atienza accepted the public apology issued by Fr. Jowel Jomarsus P. Gatus
- The priest faced criticism after remarks perceived as downplaying depression circulated online
- Fr. Gatus acknowledged the hurt caused by his words and expressed sympathy for Atienza’s family
- The respectful exchange between the two sparked wider conversations about mental health awareness
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Television host and mental wellness advocate Kim Atienza has accepted the public apology of Fr. Jowel Jomarsus P. Gatus after the priest faced backlash over remarks that many perceived as dismissive of depression.
Source: Facebook
The controversy began when an excerpt from one of Fr. Gatus’ homilies circulated online. In the widely shared art card, the priest said:
“Ang daming taong may sakit na lumalaban sa ospital, lumalaban sa hamon ng buhay. Ikaw na pagkalusog-lusog, nade-depress.”
The statement quickly drew reactions from social media users, including Atienza, who has long supported mental health awareness initiatives. The TV personality emphasized that depression should be recognized as a legitimate medical condition and warned against attitudes that could contribute to stigma.
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In his response, Atienza wrote:
“Depression is a sickness, a medical condition. Ang taong may mental illness ay lumalaban sa hamon ng buhay at ayaw magpa-ospital dahil sa ganitong stigma, sa ganitong pag-iisip, Father.”
As discussions intensified online, Fr. Gatus issued a public apology and admitted that his words may have caused pain to individuals struggling with depression and their loved ones.
The priest stated:
“From the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry. It was never my intention to hurt you or your family, nor was it my intention to discredit the experiences of those who suffer from depression. I realize now that my words may have sounded as if I was diminishing a pain that is very real. For that, I sincerely ask for your forgiveness.”
Fr. Gatus also addressed the personal tragedy experienced by Atienza and his family. He referred to the death of the television host’s youngest child, Emman, who passed away at the age of 19 in October 2025 following reports of suícide.
Expressing his condolences, the priest said:
“I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child.”
He added:
“As a son, and as a priest who has accompanied many grieving families, I know that no parent should ever have to endure such a loss.”
The priest further wrote:
“My heart goes out to you and your family. Please know that you have my prayers and deepest sympathy.”
Atienza later responded positively to the apology and thanked Fr. Gatus for addressing the issue publicly.
He wrote:
“Dearest Fr. Jowel Jomarsus P. Gatus, thank you so much for the post and your apology. It is well taken.”
The television host also highlighted the importance of discussing mental health issues openly.
“Your statement opened a conversation that is timely and urgent. Talking about it now saves young lives,” he said.
Atienza likewise acknowledged the emotional reactions of those affected by depression.
“I am sorry as well that some took it personally because they themselves are depressed or have lost loved ones because of depression,” he wrote.
He concluded his message with:
“I know you mean well. Take care Father and all the best.”
The exchange has since been praised by many netizens, who commended both Atienza and Fr. Gatus for handling the situation respectfully. Observers noted that the dialogue helped bring greater attention to mental health awareness and reinforced the importance of understanding depression as a serious medical condition.
Alejandro "Kuya Kim" Atienza is a renowned Filipino television host, weather presenter, and former politician who gained national fame through long-running roles on shows like Matanglawin, TV Patrol, and It's Showtime. Known for his trademark safari hat and vast trivia knowledge, he transitioned to GMA Network in 2021, where he continues to host flagship programs including Dapat Alam Mo! and TiktoClock.
In another report, Kuya Kim Atienza looked back on cherished family memories by sharing clips from a 2019 episode of Matanglawin featuring his three children. The television host fondly remembered his late daughter, Emman, as the family's creative, joyful, and quick-witted soul whose vibrant personality filled their home with laughter. The nostalgic video moved many netizens, especially in light of Emman's passing at the age of 19 after her battle with mental health challenges.
Meanwhile, Kuya Kim Atienza and content creator Lans shared an emotional encounter during her guest appearance on Dami Mong Alam, Kuya Kim!. As a meaningful gesture, the veteran TV host gifted Lans one of his oldest signature safari hats. The heartfelt exchange brought both of them to tears as they spoke about the value of creating educational content. Kuya Kim also revealed that Lans reminded him of his late daughter, Emman Atienza, making the experience even more emotional.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
