Shows
Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 14: Why do politicians hate journalists?This episode discusses a new study showing journalists being heavily criticized by politicians, ordinary Filipinos, and influencers. Christian Esguerra is joined by Pulitzer winner Manny Mogato and fellow journalist and educator Felipe Salvosa II.2023-06-1637 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 12: Who really controls the Philippine national budget?Christian Esguerra speaks with a budget expert to talk about the realities of Philippine national budgeting.2023-06-1451 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 10: Bakit walang kabusugan ang mga corrupt sa gobyerno?This episode looks into the gravity of corruption in the Philippine government and what we can all do about it. Christian Esguerra sits down with Mon Abrea, co-chair of the Ease of Doing Business Task Force.2023-06-1250 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 7: Marcos Jr. picks Gibo Teodoro sa defense chiefWhat should be the priorities of new Philippine defense chief Gilbert Teodoro? Christian Esguerra sits down with security analyst Chester Cabalza.2023-06-0726 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 5: Bakit maraming puna sa Maharlika Investment Fund?Christian Esguerra sits down with lawyer Neri Colmenares on the controversial provisions of the Maharlika Investment Fund bill.2023-06-0539 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 4: Filipino-Canadian makes its big in Hollywood as 'Spider-Man' artistChristian Esguerra takes a break from political issues to sit down with his close friend Ronald Samson, a Vancouver-based artist involved in such movies as “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol,” “Star Wars: Clone Wars,” “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” and “Matrix Reloaded." His latest project as lighting and compositing artist is "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."2023-06-0250 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 3: Ex-detainee tapped to help reform Philippine prisonsChristian Esguerra speaks with Raymund Narag, an associate professor of criminal justice in the US and himself a former detainee, Narag is now helping the Philippine justice department on reforming the country's prison system.2023-06-0156 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 2: Bakit minadali ang Maharlika Investment Fund bill?Philippine senators held a marathon session to pass the Maharlika Investment Fund bill. Christian Esguerra sits down with Sen. Francis Escudero, who didn't participate in the voting but raised issues against the bill, particularly the lack of a study showing investment viability.2023-05-3134 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 1: Solid pa ba ang 'UniTeam' ni BBM?Christian Esguerra sits down with political science professor Jean Franco and political analyst Ronald Llamas about supposed cracks within the
"Uniteam" of President Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte.2023-05-3046 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 100: One-on-One with Marcos Jr.'s DSWD secretaryChristian Esguerra sits down with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian on the planned food stamp program and the shutdown of private orphanage, Gentle Hands, over alleged violations.2023-05-2952 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 94: Bakit labs ng maraming Pinoy si Rodrigo Duterte?An Ateneo study looks into several factors driving people's allegiance to authority, particularly in the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Christian Esguerra sits down with Chen San Pascual, Ph.D., of the University of the Philippines' Department of Communication Research.2023-05-1538 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 93: Acquitted si De Lima--paano na?Former senator Leila De Lima has been acquitted in one of two remaining drug cases leveled against her by the Duterte administration. Christian Esguerra speaks with one of her lawyers, Rolly Peoro.2023-05-1239 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 92: Sinong talunan ang magkaka-puwesto sa Marcos administration?This episode talks about May 2022 election losers who may end up working in the Marcos cabinet. Christian Esguerra is joined by former political adviser Ronald Llamas.2023-05-1035 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 91: How AI is used to spread disinformationChristian Esguerra sits down with data scientist Dominic Ligot on the dangers of artificial intelligence as a weapon for disinformation.2023-05-0849 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 90: Beware of fake Facebook ads using doctors as endorsersChristian Esguerra sits down with Dr. Tony Leachon, who has been victimized by bogus online ads claiming he's endorsing milk that can "cure" diabetes. There's no cure for diabetes yet.2023-04-2437 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 88: Sure kang nabibilang nang tama ang boto mo?Christian Esguerra sits down with NAMFREL's IT expert about ways to make the automated election system more transparent.2023-04-191h 10Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 86: Damay ba ang Pilipinas kung magka-giyera sa Taiwan?Christian Esguerra sits down with maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal on how an armed conflict in Taiwan could drag the Philippines.2023-04-1046 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 82: Is it wise for the Philippines not to cooperate with the ICC?Christian Esguerra sits down with lawyer Gilbert Andres on the ramifications of the Marcos administration's refusal to cooperate with the International Criminal Court.2023-03-2722 min
Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 79: Robin complains of Filipinos' propensity to vote based on popularity, moneyThis episode looks into why Filipinos vote based on popularity and money, and what to do with the country's problematic party-list system. Christian Esguerra is joined by political science professor Jorge Tigno.2023-03-0153 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 78: Has EDSA lost its meaning to Filipinos?The fact that the Marcos are back in power, what does this say about the historic Edsa People Power Revolution 37 years ago? Christian Esguerra sits down with historian Joseph Scalice, author of the upcoming book, "The Drama of the Dictatorship."2023-02-2849 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 74: Marcos Jr.'s China policy better than Duterte's?Christian Esguerra breaks down the laser-pointing incident initiated by the Chinese coast guard against its Philippine counterparts, with security analyst and international relations professor Renato De Castro.2023-02-1545 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 70: One-on-One with Ogie DiazChristian Esguerra sits down with vlogger and talent manager Ogie Diaz on why he opted to be vocal and campaign for Leni Robredo in the May 2022 president election.2023-02-011h 02Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 69: Family of drug war victims speak up on ICC probeLoved ones of victims of Duterte's drug war join Christian Esguerra for a discussion on the resumption of the ICC investigation into the former president's alleged crimes. 2023-01-3040 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 68: ICC resumes investigation into Duterte's drug warThe International Criminal Court has resumed formal investigation into Rodrigo Duterte's bloody war on drugs. Christian Esguerra speaks with human rights lawyer Ruben Carranza, who explains the processes at the ICC and the import role of incumbent President Bongbong Marcos in whatever course the investigation will take.2023-01-2744 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 67: Why ordinary inmates should benefit from the Gigi Reyes rulingWith the former chief of staff of Juan Ponce Enrile temporarily released because of the slow pace of her trial in connection with the pork barrel scam, will many other ordinary inmates also similarly situated be freed as well? Christian Esguerra speaks with Raymund Narag, a prison reform advocate who teaches criminal justice at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale. 2023-01-2535 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 66: Senators now vocal vs POGOsIn this episode, Christian Esguerra is joined by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who called on the executive branch to rethink the continuing presence of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the Philippines, given rampant crimes and the low government revenue coming from the industry.2023-01-2330 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 61: Marcos Jr. and the militaryChristian Esguerra speaks with the people behind a "bayanihan" effort to help farmers in the face of the ridiculously high price of onions in the Philippines. Veteran journalist Manny Mogato also provides a historical perspective on military adventurism in the past.2023-01-111h 20Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 56: Why is onion suddenly so expensive in the Philippines?Christian Esguerra sits down with a former agriculture minister about the unusually high price of onions in the Philippines. What's happening and what should the government do about it?2022-12-251h 03Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 54: Why is Metro Manila's public transport system such a mess?A transportation reform group joins Christian Esguerra to talk about ways to improve the commuter experience in the Philippine capital city.2022-12-151h 09Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 49: Does the Philippines really need a sovereign wealth fund today?Christian Esguerra sits down with former Central Bank governor Jose Cuisia Jr., who explains why he is opposed to the proposed Maharlika Wealth Fund.2022-12-0539 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 48: Deepfakes, the ugly face of disinformationTwo experts join Christian Esguerra to explain how deepfakes are now being used to spread disinformation. Percy Lapid's brother, Roy Mabasa, joins the program in the second half to talk about resuming the slain broadcaster's hard-hitting radio and online program, "Lapid Fire."2022-12-021h 19Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 47: Marcos Jr. tweaks Duterte's bloody drug warA priest who runs a support group for relatives of victims of Duterte's drug war, and a human rights campaigner join Christian Esguerra for a discussion on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s new approach to the drug problem in the Philippines. But will it be any different from Duterte's?2022-11-301h 12Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 46: Should Leni do more for the political opposition?Christian Esguerra sits down with two Leni Robredo supporters on what they think the role of the former Philippine vice president should be for the political opposition under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.2022-11-2858 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 44: The tough life of a freelance journo in the PhilippinesA new study reveals the challenges confronting freelance journalists in the Philippines, from uncertain pay to harassment. Christian Esguerra sits down with the author of the study, Maro Enriquez.2022-11-2234 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 43: How to reform the Philippine prison systemChristian Esguerra sits down with Prof. Raymund Narag, a former detainee wrongly accused and later exonerated and who has since devoted his work to reforming the Philippine prison system. He now teaches criminology and criminal justice at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale.2022-11-201h 13Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 42: Are you ok with 'Netflix' tax?Tax expert Mon Abrea joins Christian Esguerra for a discussion on a proposed law imposing tax on digital service providers such as Netflix and Spotify.2022-11-2019 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 24: Are you satisfied with Marcos Jr.'s performance so far?In this episode, Christian Esguerra sits down with Sonny Africa of the IBON Foundation to talk about the gains and missed opportunities during President Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s first 100 days in office.2022-10-071h 13Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 23: Marcos Jr.'s first 100 days in officeWhat can President Bongbong Marcos show for his first 100 days in office? Christian Esguerra is join by Ronald Llamas, a former presidential political adviser.2022-10-0542 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 21: Shopee draws flak for tapping Marcos supporter as endorserIn this episode, Christian Esguerra sits down with an advertising and marketing specialist, and a member of the academe, to talk about the calls to boycott Shopee. Also discussed is the plan to tweak the Philippines' tourism campaign.2022-09-301h 02Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 20: Should the Duterte face the ICC?This episode, Christian Esguerra is joined by the Center for International Law's Gilbert Andres, who explains the principle of complementarity at the International Criminal Court.2022-09-2856 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 19: Beware of paid political vloggersThis episode explains the key difference between a real journalist and a political vlogger. Christian Esguerra is joined by Jeff Canoy, chief of reporters of ABS-CBN News.2022-09-261h 17Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 17: The Marcos DiariesIn this interview with Christian Esguerra, historian Ambeth Ocampo talks about the diaries of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and what they reveal about the late dictator.2022-09-211h 17Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 16: Journalist Lewis Simons on the Marcoses' return to powerVeteran journalist Lewis Simons, who wrote "Worth Dying For" on the rise and fall of Ferdinand Marcos, speaks with Christian Esguerra on the return of the family in power, culminating in the election victory of the late dictator's son in May 2022.2022-09-1958 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 15: Can VP Sara Duterte solve basic education woes in 6 years?If given an additional P100-billion budget, Vice President Sara Duterte, who is also the education secretary, vows to solve the country's problems in basic education. Christian Esguerra spoke with Love Basillote, executive director of the Philippine Business for Education.2022-09-1851 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 14: Why have the Marcoses not paid their estate tax?President Bongbong Marcos wants to "reopen' his family's estate tax case despite a final Supreme Court decision in 1999. Christian Esguerra sat down with former Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares and tax expert Mon Abrea.2022-09-151h 07Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 12: The ugly truth about text scamsChristian Esguerra speaks with former National Privacy Commissioner Raymund Liboro for an extensive discussion on text scams. Maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal then talks about the Philippines' border agreement with Indonesia and whether this can actually serve as a template in dealing with China in the West Philippine Sea.2022-09-091h 06Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 11: The Robredos after the Vice PresidencyDespite her election loss, why is former Vice President Leni Robredo still the subject of intense trolling online? Christian Esguerra spoke with her eldest daughter. This episode also features new Comelec Chairman George Garcia on the reforms he will put in place as head of the Philippines' election body.2022-09-071h 33Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 10: Malacañang to put up its own 'fact-checking' teamLegitimate fact-checkers from PressOne.PH, Philstar.com, and VERA Files join Christian Esguerra in a discussion on Malacañang's plan to set up its own "fact-checking" team.2022-09-051h 21Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 6: The Philippine education crisisChristian Esguerra sits down with Rep. Roman Romulo, chairman of the House Committee on Education and Culture, for a comprehensive discussion on why Philippine education is in deep crisis -- and what to do about it.2022-08-261h 40Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 4: Facts and falsehoods about Ninoy AquinoThirty nine years after his assassination, Ninoy Aquino is being pilloried by Marcos and Duterte loyalists. A historian joins Christian Esguerra in explaining why, despite all the lies about Ninoy, the former senator and freedom fighter was a hero.2022-08-221h 11Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 1: Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino red-baits authors, bans 'subversive' booksJournalist Christian Esguerra sits down with 3 award-winning authors in Filipino on the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino's move to ban books it deemed "subversive," and/or "anti-" President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. 2022-08-121h 10Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 90: Historian Ambeth Ocampo pushes back vs trollsProf. Ambeth Ocampo, one of the most popular and highly respected historians in the Philippines today, is under attack from internet trolls and Marcos loyalists for defending the study of history following a female celebrity's claim that history is just like "chismis" (rumor). You wouldn't want to miss this comprehensive interview with Ocampo by journalist Christian Esguerra.2022-07-111h 18
Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 88: One-on-one with Mareng Winnie MonsodChristian Esguerra sat down economist, columnist, and TV host Winnie Monsod on a wide range of issues: falsehoods in Marcos Jr.'s inaugural address, the Philippine economy, and media censorship.2022-07-0457 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 76: What is China up to in Philippine-occupied Ayungin Shoal?Christian Esguerra sat down with maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal, who explained the strategic importance of Ayungin Shoal to the Philippines, and why China wants to occupy it.2022-06-1527 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 73: Demonic possessions in the Philippines on the rise during the pandemic?In this episode, Christian Esguerra sits down with Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia, chief exorcist of the Archdiocese of Manila, on the construction of the Center for Exorcism in the Philippines, which will also be the first in Asia, partly in response to the rising number of demonic possession cases during the pandemic lockdowns. This comprehensive interview also explains the ministry of exorcism, stripped off the Hollywood sensationalism.2022-06-1056 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 74: How the Philippines became a 'training ground' for disinformationThis episode explains why the Philippines is considered "patient zero" in the disinformation war and what can be done to fight the worsening problem. Christian Esguerra sat down with Greg Kahailia, Philippine country director of Internews.2022-06-081h 16Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 72: Were the May 9 Philippine elections credible?In this double-header episode, Christian Esguerra speaks with a policy expert on movie actor and incoming senator Robin Padilla's push for federalism and the plan to have him chair the Senate constitutional amendments committee. Former Comelec Commissioner George Garcia also talks about his short stint with the election commission and his proposed reforms moving forward.2022-06-021h 41Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 71: Is Marcos Jr.'s pick for DSWD secretary fit for the job?In this episode, Christian Esguerra speaks with broadcaster Erwin Tulfo, who was picked by incoming President Bongbong Marcos Jr. as his Social Welfare secretary. Tulfo responds to critics questioning his background and competence to head the department.2022-05-311h 10Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 69: Who is Toots Ople, Marcos Jr.'s Secretary for Migrant Workers?Journalist Christian Esguerra speaks with Susan Ople, the incoming secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, on why she was picked by President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and their concrete plans for Filipino workers abroad within the first 100 days of the incoming administration.2022-05-2634 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 66: Preserving the truth about Martial LawThis episode talks about the plan of incoming Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte to take her oath way ahead of the start of her term on June 30. Christian Esguerra is joined by historian Manuel Quezon III, who talks about concerns that history might be revised in favor of the Marcoses under the new Marcos Jr. administration.2022-05-191h 31Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 65: Gloria Arroyo's role in the Marcos-Duterte victoryIn this episode, political scientist Paul Hutchcroft explains the crucial role of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the Marcos-Duterte alliance, which is poised to win the presidential and vice presidential elections in the Philippines via landslide. Christian Esguerra is also joined by fellow journalists for a discussion on the worsening problem of disinformation and the escalating online attacks on the press.2022-05-161h 33Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 62: Careful with 'paid' political analystsIn this episode, Christian Esguerra lifts the veil on political analysts engaged in questionable practices, such as getting paid by candidates or campaign operators for slanted analyses on TV.2022-05-041h 34Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 61: Political dynasties in the PhilippinesChristian Esguerra sits down with political science professor Julio Teehankee on the worsening problem of political dynasties in the Philippines and how they are expected to influence the outcome of the May 2022 elections.2022-04-2949 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 60: How to counter campaign 'black ops' in the 2022 Philippine presidential electionIn his very first live episode, Christian Esguerra sat down with a veteran campaign strategist to better understand how black propaganda has been unleashed during the final stretch of the Philippine presidential election in May. Also in this episode is Mags Maglana, a peace and development worker challenging the Duterte dynasty in Davao City.2022-04-251h 30Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 59: What happened to the 1995 Hawaii case vs Marcos?Revisit the 1995 Hawaii class action suit where Martial Law victims won nearly $2 billion in damages. But how much of that judgment has been enforced and distributed to the them 27 years later? What will happen to efforts to recover the Marcoses' ill-gotten wealth if the son of the late dictator wins the Philippine presidential election in May? Christian Esguerra sat down with the victims' lawyer Robert Swift.2022-04-2037 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 55: Marcos Jr. and his family’s enormous ill-gotten wealthJournalist Christian Esguerra sits down with lawyer Andy Bautista, former chief of the Presidential Commission on Good Government who explained how Ferdinand Marcos, his family, and cronies looted public coffers during his 21-year rule. Bautista warns of the prospect of electing the son and namesake of the late dictator in this year’s Philippine presidential election.2022-03-251h 20Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 53: Jailed Duterte foe seeks vindication via reelectionJailed for 5 years on questionable drug charges, Sen. Leila de Lima is seeking a second term. Christian Esguerra spoke with her spokesperson on how difficult it has been for her to wage a nationwide campaign while in detention, including explaining why she’s a victim of political persecution, using a live proxy — and a standee.2022-02-2149 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 52: Troll wars in Philippine electionsCan candidates realistically win without so-called “line troll networks”? Christian Esguerra sat down with a veteran campaign strategist and a professor, who studied how Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter influence political discourse in the 2022 elections.2022-02-1455 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 51: How presidential interviews should be doneThis episode is a critical, no-BS look at presidential interviews in the run-up to the Philippine elections in May 2022, because the interviewer and the questions he asks are just as crucial as the candidates' response. Journalist Christian Esguerra sits down with veteran campaign strategist Alan German.2022-02-0157 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 50: Philippine labor leader runs for presidentChristian Esguerra sits down with Philippine labor leader Leody De Guzman, who details the "radical" changes he plans to implement if elected president in 2022. But does he even have a chance against more popular and moneyed candidates, including the son of the late Philippine dictator?2022-01-271h 11Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 48: Philippines bans child marriagesThis episode looks into the new law prohibiting child marriages and its implications on Muslims in the predominantly Christian country. Journalist Christian Esguerra sits down with legal scholar Michael Mastura, who helped efforts to codify Philippine Muslim laws in the 1970s.2022-01-1941 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 46: Presidential campaignsWhy is Marcos Jr.'s campaign strategy working while Vice President Leni Robredo's doesn't seem to be as effective? Christian Esguerra sat down with veteran campaign strategist Alan German to examine the different campaign messaging of presidential candidates in the 2022 elections.2022-01-111h 00Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 45: The Fake Story of the Tallano goldDisinformation is rampant in the upcoming Philippine elections. This episode sets the record straight about the fake story of the Tallano gold, the supposed source of the Marcos wealth and which would supposedly be distributed to Filipinos if the son of the late dictator wins the presidency in 2022. Journalist Christian Esguerra sits down with historian Michael Charleston Chua on why the story making the rounds on social media is FAKE.
2022-01-1028 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 42: Why Walden Bello wants to tax the richIn this episode, professor Walden Bello, the socialist vice presidential candidate in the Philippines, speaks with journalist Christian Esguerra about the difficult solutions he and his presidential candidate, Leody De Guzman, are offering to voters in 2022.
2021-11-251h 08Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 39: Cartoonists fight back vs Marcos disinformationJournalist Christian Esguerra sits down with 3 influential political cartoonists -- Tarantadong Kalbo, Isang Tasang Kape, and Cartoonist Zach --- on how they use their art to fight disinformation and historical distortion by supporters of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos
2021-11-111h 04Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 38: LGBTQ in the BangsamoroJournalist Christian Esguerra sits down the head of the Bangsamoro LGBTQ Network, and the human rights chief of the Bangsamoro on the plight of the LGBTQ community under the new autonomous region in the southern Philippines.2021-11-0644 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 36: Why Samira Gutoc was hurt by Isko’s attacks vs LeniIn this frank conversation with Christian Esguerra, senatorial candidate Samira Gutoc explains why she felt bad about Mayor Isko Moreno's "below-the-belt" attacks on Vice President Leni Robredo, her initial choice for president, but why she will stick with Moreno in the 2022 elections.2021-10-2042 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 35: Who’s on board Leni Robredo’s presidential bid?Christian Esguerra sits down with former Senator Sonny Trillanes on how his Magdalo group will help deliver the votes for Vice President Leni Robredo, and why the Left-leaning Makabayan bloc has not supported her presidential bid, even if it was already endorsed at the end of a lengthy consultation process by the new opposition coalition they are all part of.2021-10-171h 03Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 33: One-on-One with Aika RobredoPhilippine Vice President Leni Robredo's eldest daughter, Aika, speaks with journalist Christian Esguerra about her mother's decision to run for president in 2022, the struggles ahead, and how the campaign -- and a victory --- could alter life yet again for this closely knit family.
2021-10-1259 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 31: A room for the Left in the Philippine SenateIn this episode, Christian Esguerra speaks with former party-list congressman Neri Colmenares, who is gunning for a Senate seat in the 2022 elections after 2 failed attempts. This time, he and fellow activists are facing even more intense red-baiting under the Duterte administration.2021-10-0443 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 30: Politics split Estrada half-brothersIn this episode, Christian Esguerra speaks with former senator JV Ejercito, who's gunning for a seat in the Senate in 2022 after his failed reelection bid in 2019. But will the result be different this time even if his half-brother is also running again? Will it be 2019 all over again for the bitter rivals?2021-10-0248 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 28: Why Chel Diokno is running for senator againIn this episode, Christian Esguerra sits down with human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, who made an unsuccessful run for the Philippine Senate in 2019 but with promising results. This time in 2022, he explains why the country can’t afford another 6 years of a Duterte-like leadership or a return of the Marcoses to Malacañang—and what it would take to prevent either of them. 2021-09-2845 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 29: Isko Moreno’s campaign strategyThe mayor of the Philippine capital city is running for president in 2022. Can his compelling rags-to-riches backstory, and accomplishments as a local chief executive for less than 3 years, catapult him to the Palace? Journalist Christian Esguerra sat down with Moreno’s campaign strategist.2021-09-2857 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 27: 3-year extension for the Bangsamoro governmentThis episode talks about Congress’ grant of a 3-year extension of the interim regional government in the new Bangsamoro region in the Philippines. Christian Esguerra sat down with the region’s education minister, Mohagher Iqbal.2021-09-2626 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 25: Tarantadong KalboIn this episode, Christian Esguerra sat down with Kevin “Tarantadong Kalbo” Raymundo, the artist behind the wildly popular “Tumindig” cartoon, which has inspired an online movement among Filipinos to take a stand against abuses and incompetence under President Rodrigo Duterte.2021-09-0752 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 24: Why Duterte’s niece is against himIn this episode, Nuelle Duterte, a niece of President Rodrigo Duterte, speaks with journalist Christian Esguerra on why she’s been vocal against his administration and why the Philippines cannot afford to have another Duterte win in the 2022 presidential election.2021-09-0138 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 23: Overpriced face masks, shieldsThis episode looks deep into the 9-billion-peso contract cornered by a little-known company to supply face masks and face shields in the Philippines. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian joins Christian Esguerra to talk about the ongoing Senate investigation. 2021-08-3136 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 22: Ping Lacson for president?In this episode, Christian Esguerra is joined former election commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, who is expected to serve as spokesman of the Lacson-Sotto ticket in the 2022 Philippine presidential election.2021-08-2858 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 21: Mayor Isko Moreno for President?In this episode, Christian Esguerra speaks with veteran campaign strategist Lito Banayo, who quit as Duterte’s envoy to Taiwan to campaign for Isko Moreno for president. Can Moreno, who emerged from the slums of Manila to become the city’s mayor, rise all the way to Malacañang?2021-08-201h 01Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 20: One-on-One with Sonny TrillanesIn this episode, Christian Esguerra sits down with former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on efforts to unite against Duterte’s presidential candidate in 2022, and why he thinks “enablers” of the current administration should never be considered as the opposition’s standard-bearer.2021-08-1750 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 19: Why Pacquiao will run for presidentIn this episode, Christian Esguerra sits down with a Manny Pacquiao ally, who explains why the senator will run for president, his spat with President Rodrigo Duterte, and why he thinks the legendary boxer can beat Duterte’s daughter Sara in 2022.2021-08-1359 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 18: Philippines building ‘wall’ vs COVID-19In this podcast, Dominican Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, a molecular biologist, talks with Christian Esguerra about the Philippine government’s strategy to hit herd immunity despite limited vaccine supply—build a “wall” against COVID-19 around Metro Manila and several provinces by inoculating enough people there. But can they put up this line of defense before the more infectious Delta Variant arrives?2021-07-1644 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 12: Should MILF-led Bangsamoro region seek poll mandate in 2022?A newly created region in the southern Philippines is set to hold its first parliamentary elections in 2022. But its leaders are pushing to postpone this democratic exercise until the region’s transition is well in place. Benedicto Bacani of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance, and Pancho Lara of International Alert join Christian Esguerra in this episode.2021-03-0737 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 11: Political Party-building in the BangsamoroIn this episode, Christian Esguerra sat down with key figures in the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on the challenges of building strong political parties ahead of the first-ever elections in the region.2021-02-0649 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 10: Bangsamoro ElectionsIn this special #BangsamoroSeries episode, Christian Esguerra sits down with former election commissioner Luie Tito Guia, who explains the parliamentary elections set in the new Bangsamoro region in the southern Philippines in May 2022. 2021-01-2137 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 9: How to fix the Philippine Party-list SystemLawyer Christian Monsod, a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission which drafted the current Philippine constitution, sits down with journalist Christian Esguerra on how to fix the country's Party-list System and how to attract more foreign investments -- all without having to amend the constitution.2021-01-2045 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 7: Bangsamoro TransitionBurdened by high expectations, former Muslim rebels are pushing for a 3-year extension to complete the transition of a new autonomous region under their peace agreement with the Philippine government. They cited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and difficulties in running the interim regional government. Christian Esguerra sits down with a member of the Bangsamoro Parliament and a Mindanao peace advocate in this special #BangsamoroSeries episode.2020-12-0147 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 6: The Bully's PulpitThis week's episode tackles the challenges of covering President Rodrigo Duterte, with his propensity to spew untruths and go ballistic in his late-night public address, his pronouncements often needing his spokesman's "clarification" or justification afterward. Christian Esguerra engages in some real talk on how the Philippine press has been reporting on Duterte with Rapper's Pia Ranada in this crossover podcast.2020-11-2749 minFacts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 5: Pressure on the BangsamoroThis week's podcast looks into the pains and gains of the new Bangsamoro government under the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines. Is time running out for crucial reforms before the 2022 elections? Christian Esguerra sits down with Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim in this #BangsamoroSeries episode.2020-11-131h 07Facts First with Christian EsguerraEp. 1: The Myth of Congressional IndependenceA botched term-sharing deal on the House speakership threatens to delay the entire Philippine budget. Political science professor Julio Teehankee joins Christian Esguerra for a deep dive into the lack of independence of the House of Representatives, especially under a leader like Rodrigo Duterte.2020-10-1036 min