Several celebrities, led by Kapamilya host Bianca Gonzalez, expressed their solidarity with broadcast journalist Atom Araullo on social media.
On Monday, September 11, Araullo, accompanied by his lawyer Dean Tony Lavina, visited the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office to file a 2-million-peso civil case against SMNI hosts Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz, seeking compensation for “damages and injuries suffered due to defamatory statements maliciously spread.”
Araullo received unwavering support from his friends, colleagues, and social media figures, who used the hashtag #IStandWithAtomAraullo to convey their support.
Bianca Gonzalez, in her tweet, attested to Araullo’s character and integrity, having known him for nearly two decades.
#IStandWithAtomAraullo#NoToRedTagging#NoToDisinformation
Halos 20 years ko nang kilala, kaibigan at katrabaho si @atomaraullo at isa ako sa maraming saksi sa kanyang integridad bilang mamamahayag at bilang tao. pic.twitter.com/fs6GvObKj4
— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) September 11, 2023
Ramon Bautista also chimed in with a tweet, suggesting that the Kapuso broadcast journalist should raise the damage fee to impart a lesson to the red-taggers.
Lakihan mo pa @atomaraullo ilubog mo mga yan!
— Ramon Bautista (@ramonbautista) September 11, 2023
Pia Ranada, a journalist from Rappler, showed her support by tweeting, “We’re with you @atomaraullo !”
We’re with you @atomaraullo ! #DefendPressFreedom https://t.co/NbjgQdiWVo
— Pia Ranada (@piaranada) September 11, 2023
The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) echoed their support, emphasizing the importance of holding red-taggers accountable.
“Statement | Red-taggers should be held accountable The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines stands with Atom Araullo as he files a P2-million civil suit against red-taggers Lorraine Badoy-Partosa and Jeffrey Celiz.”
Statement | Red-taggers should be held accountable
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines stands with Atom Araullo as he files a P2-million civil suit against red-taggers Lorraine Badoy-Partosa and Jeffrey Celiz. pic.twitter.com/gIibdjx24K
— NUJP (@nujp) September 11, 2023
Rappler columnist and economist JC Punongbayan added his voice with a tweet saying, “All the best, @atomaraullo! #DefendPressFreedom #StopRedTagging”
All the best, @atomaraullo! #DefendPressFreedom #StopRedTagging https://t.co/qYnaLc1sl4
— JC Punongbayan, PhD (@jcpunongbayan) September 11, 2023
Likewise, former Kapamilya reporter Kevin Manalo tweeted his encouragement to Araullo, saying, “Laban, sir Atom! Supporting you!”
Laban, sir Atom! Supporting you!
— Kevin Manalo (@kevinmanalo_) September 11, 2023
Here are additional reactions from social media personalities who tweeted their support for Atom Araullo.
“#IStandWithAtomAraullo Rampant red-tagging has been weaponized to silence the narrative that does not fit with theirs. Even with my very low following here in X, I was called “NPA sympathizer” and “defender of the enemies” for simply calling out Dr. Badoy, Mr. Celis and SMNI..,” @justinmaniluh shared.
Rampant red-tagging has been weaponized to silence the narrative that does not fit with theirs. Even with my very low following here in X, I was called “NPA sympathizer” and “defender of the enemies” for simply calling out Dr. Badoy, Mr. Celis and SMNI…
— Just (@justinmaniluh) September 11, 2023
“Go go go @atomaraullo! You are doing our country an invaluable public service!” tweeted actor Bart Guingona.
Go go go @atomaraullo! You are doing our country an invaluable public service! https://t.co/XPCp0Y4Wd9
— Bart Guingona (@guingonabart) September 11, 2023
“Atom Araullo will be filing a libel case against Badoy for redtagging. This is it. Hope it all goes well for Atom,” @nicoquejano remarked.
Atom Araullo will be filing a libel case against Badoy for redtagging.
This is it. Hope it all goes well for Atom.
— Nico Quejano (@nicoquejano) September 10, 2023
“Laban! @atomaraullo,” @pinoyakoblog expressed.
Laban! @atomaraullo https://t.co/TgYmBNUvnh
— Jover Laurio (@PinoyAkoBlog) September 11, 2023
“Push back and hold them accountable. Way to go!” @pads_nosi commented.
Push back and hold them accountable.
Way to go! 🙏🏼 https://t.co/bieTWUugd1
— Pari Koy (@pads_nosi) September 11, 2023
“Ang laban ni Atom ay laban ng lahat ng mga biktima at magiging biktima ng disinformation,” Nico Valderamma shared.
Ang laban ni Atom ay laban ng lahat ng mga biktima at magiging biktima ng disinformation. https://t.co/75WTTeyKMT
— Nico B. Valderrama (@nbvneverquits) September 11, 2023
“Dapat class action suit ng lahat ng journos against Badoy and SMNI. I’d gladly sue them. We fully support this move by Atom Araullo!” @rommerlFlopez said.
Dapat class action suit ng lahat ng journos against Badoy and SMNI.
I'd gladly sue them.
We fully support this move by Atom Araullo! https://t.co/iJ45mflq2E
— Rommel Lopez (@RommelFLopez) September 11, 2023