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July 25, 2025 – Philippines –
Filipino journalist Christian Esguerra, once a prominent figure at the country’s largest broadcaster ABS-CBN, has redefined his career after being laid off amid political pressures. Known for his hard-hitting political commentary, Esguerra was removed from his role in 2022—just a week before his son was born—after expressing criticisms of then-President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration.
His termination came after ABS-CBN lost its broadcast license in 2020 in what many viewed as a politically motivated decision under Duterte. Though Esguerra initially continued working with the network, his role diminished until his eventual dismissal. Rather than retreating from public discourse, he launched his own show, “Facts First with Christian Esguerra,” on YouTube.
What started as a low-budget, passion-driven podcast has evolved into one of the Philippines’ most-watched independent news platforms. With over 500,000 subscribers, Facts First streams live news analyses, interviews, and political discussions—offering a sharp, fact-based alternative to mainstream media narratives. YouTube, now used by roughly half of Filipinos for news, has helped him reach wide audiences despite the loss of a traditional platform.
Esguerra’s journalism remains grounded in the same principles that guided his television career: truth, integrity, and context. He insists on transparency and professional ethics, noting that his opinions are always rooted in verified facts. While he frequently critiques the current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., he maintains that his approach is non-partisan and issue-driven.
The show has featured interviews with top government officials, including Justice Secretary Boying Remulla and presidential spokesperson Claire Castro, reflecting Esguerra’s continued relevance and journalistic credibility. His work has been praised by media observers for maintaining independence and prioritizing evidence over ideology.
Beyond YouTube, Esguerra also teaches journalism at the University of Santo Tomas, mentoring future reporters in media ethics and critical thinking. Facts First expanded to daily broadcasts in 2023, supported by a small but dedicated team.
Esguerra’s success story underscores the resilience of independent journalism and the growing role of digital platforms in preserving press freedom in politically challenging environments.
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