A popular gossip blog, Fashion Pulis published on Saturday morning that ABS-CBN News reporter Atom Araullo filed a resignation in the network’s integrated news and current affairs department to avoid being tagged as “biased reporter.”
Netizens speculated that it might be related to Araullo’s strong opinion on issues such as the controversy surrounding the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani and certain policies of the present administration. So instead of being accused as a biased reporter and thereby affect the integrity of the News Department, Araullo decided to resign.
He will leave his reportorial duties in TV Patrol, Bandila, and ANC. However, Araullo remains as one of the hosts for the TV station’s morning show, Umagang Kay Ganda, and Red Alert.
Leaving some of his posts in ABS-CBN will give Araullo the time to complete his pending book projects, explore opportunities to pursue his interest in making independent films, and possibly write a column in one of the major dailies. His resignation from his post will allow him to express his opinions freely and not be limited by his affiliation to a news organization. He also plans to focus on his advocacies on the environment and climate change.
Araullo and ABS-CBN News are not releasing their official statement yet regarding the issue.