Atom Araullo sides with protesters roaring against corruption: "Dapat nakakulong na 'yang mga 'yan"

• Veteran journalist Atom Araullo posted about public anger versus calls for calm
• He said he understands the people’s rage more than politicians’ call to stay calm
• Netizens linked his remarks to the corruption issues in flood control projects
• Atom earlier criticized authorities for probing themselves, calling it “groundbreaking”

Veteran broadcast journalist Atom Araullo once again shared his thoughts on Facebook about the growing anger of the public.

In his post on Saturday, September 6, 2025, he said that while he understands the call for citizens to calm down, he also understands their anger even more.

He wrote that there is performative outrage from politicians but righteous anger from the people.

Atom added that the shows from those in power keep repeating, and what they truly fear is the noise coming from the masses.

Although Atom did not name any specific issue, netizens quickly connected his remarks to the controversy surrounding alleged corruption in flood control projects.

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Many commented online, saying the officials should be jailed instead of protesters being threatened with arrest.

Others pointed out that flooding problems continue while those responsible remain unpunished. Some stressed that public outrage should never die and that attention is the strongest defense against corruption.

"Performative outrage mula sa mga trapo. Righteous anger mula sa mamamayan. Gets ko ang panawagang huminahon. Pero mas naiintindihan ko ang galit ng mga matagal nang ginagago. Paulit-ulit na lang kasi ang palabas. Ang kinatatakutan lang ng mga nasa taas? Yung ingay mula sa baba," he wrote.

Araullo’s post came after a series of protests were held outside the Department of Public Works and Highways, the House of Representatives, and the office of contractor St. Gerrard.

Authorities earlier warned that demonstrators could face arrest.

Earlier that same day, Atom had already released another sharp statement, mocking officials with the words, Investigating themselves again? Groundbreaking.

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Araullo's words reflect the growing frustration of citizens who believe that their anger is justified and that accountability must be demanded from those in power.

Check out Atom Araullo's Facebook post below:

Atom Araullo is a Pinoy journo, TV presenter, and radio host. He is also an environmental conservation advocate, mainly on marine ecosystems.

In a previous report by KAMI, Karen Davila responded in agreement to Atom Araullo’s critique of public officials’ alleged performative outrage. Atom argued that some politicians exploit corruption while pretending to be concerned, treating citizens as naive. The post quickly went viral, igniting discussions about honesty and integrity in public office. Karen’s reaction amplified the message, highlighting that prominent journalists are also critical of officials’ supposed insincere behavior.

Additionally, Broadcast journalist Atom Araullo finally experienced a graduation march, wearing the symbolic "sablay" alongside his parents at UP Cebu's 2025 commencement, two decades after skipping his own. Araullo openly admitted missing his 2005 UP graduation due to being "lazy," later realizing the profound significance of the ceremony for his sacrificing parents. Invited as the keynote speaker for UP Cebu's 2025 graduates, Araullo used the opportunity to honor his esteemed parents, Mike and Carol Araullo, by having them present. In his address, Araullo delivered a powerful message to the new graduates, urging them to "Serve the country!" – a principle consistent with his own advocacy as a journalist.

Source: KAMI.com.gh