PSM Exclusives Ep. 1: Manny Mogato on Corruption and the State of Philippine Politics
Saturday, Sept. 27 – First episode of PSM Exclusives features Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Manuel “Manny” Mogato. During the interview, Mogato reflects on his journey through Philippine journalism — from his early years at The Manila Times to his award-winning coverage of Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
What to Expect in this Episode
In this premiere episode of PSM Exclusives, Manny Mogato offers a candid look at the challenges facing Philippine journalism and politics today. He discusses how corruption continues to shape governance, recalling his experiences covering the Estrada administration and later reporting under Rodrigo Duterte’s leadership.
Manny Mogato’s Career Timeline
Early Career – Manila Times
Mogato’s career began at the historic Manila Times, where he cut his teeth covering politics and governance. Those early years introduced him to the rough-and-tumble world of Philippine media, where navigating pressure from influential figures was part of the job. He built a reputation for credibility, tenacity, and sharp political reporting.
Late 1990s – Covering the Estrada Presidency
During the presidency of Joseph “Erap” Estrada, Mogato covered corruption scandals, policy debates, and the growing unrest that culminated in Estrada’s impeachment and eventual ouster in 2001. His work chronicled the downfall of a leader once adored by the masses, providing readers with an inside view of how politics and power shifted during one of the country’s most turbulent eras.
2016 Onwards – Duterte and the War on Drugs
Mogato’s reporting during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency placed him at the center of one of the most dangerous beats in Philippine journalism. He documented the government’s brutal war on drugs, exposing human rights violations and the impact on communities. Just like other journalists, his coverage earned both praise and backlash, underscoring the risks Filipino journalists face when holding authority accountable.
2018 – Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting
In 2018, Mogato, together with colleagues Clare Baldwin and Andrew R.C. Marshall of Reuters, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting. Their work shed light on the killings tied to Duterte’s drug war, giving global audiences a clear picture of the violence and its human cost. The recognition marked a historic milestone for Filipino journalists on the international stage.
Recent Years – It’s Me, Bok
Mogato later turned his experiences into the book It’s Me, Bok, where he detailed not only his reporting career but also the larger challenges of Philippine journalism. The book underscores the struggles of truth-telling in a climate of political hostility, disinformation, and threats to press freedom. Through his memoir, Mogato provides both a personal and professional account of what it means to be a journalist in one of the world’s most volatile media environments.
Little-Known Facts
He emphasizes the relevance of KBP, particularly in terms of airtime advertising, both on television and radio, as well as setting rules for broadcasting. Moreover, KBP polices television and radio stations, and protects the young audience from sensitive content. GMA Network is not part of KBP. He says entities that are not part of KBP have more airtime for ads than content.
Manny Mogato’s career shows the impact of fearless journalism — from his early days at the Manila Times to covering two of the country’s most controversial leaders, and ultimately earning global recognition with a Pulitzer Prize. His reflections in this episode highlight not only the challenges journalists continue to face in the Philippines but also the responsibility of the press to defend truth in an era of disinformation and political pressure. As Mogato looks ahead, he emphasizes the need for the next generation of reporters to carry forward the values of integrity, courage, and accountability, ensuring that journalism remains a cornerstone of Philippine democracy.
Watch the conversation here: