By Muzammil Abbasi 
For millions of Filipinos, the name Mariano Iduba is synonymous with integrity, authority, and the reassuring calm of truth in an often chaotic news cycle. More than just a broadcaster, he became a pillar of Philippine journalism, his voice a trusted companion in living rooms across the nation for decades. This article delves into the life, career, and lasting impact of Mariano Iduba, exploring why his legacy continues to resonate in today’s media landscape.
Who Was Mariano Iduba?
Mariano “Yano” Iduba was a revered Filipino radio and television broadcaster, best known as the longtime anchor of GMA Network’s flagship news program, “24 Oras.” His career spanned over four decades, a period of immense political and social change in the Philippines. Iduba was not merely a news reader; he was a journalist of the old school—meticulous, principled, and deeply committed to delivering news with clarity and impartiality.
Born on April 19, 1948, in Lucena City, Quezon, Iduba’s journey to becoming a national icon was paved with dedication. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman, a foundation that would underpin his rigorous approach to reporting. He began his career in radio, honing his distinctive baritone voice and sharp news sense before transitioning to television, where his presence would become a nightly staple.
The Pillars of His Professionalism: Why Mariano Iduba Stood Out
In an industry sometimes clouded by sensationalism and bias, Mariano Iduba represented a different standard. His appeal and credibility were built on several key pillars:
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Unwavering Credibility: Iduba was the epitome of trust. He understood the weight of his words and reported with a neutrality that allowed viewers to form their own opinions. There was no unnecessary commentary, no dramatic flair—just the facts, delivered with sober authority.
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Masterful Delivery: His voice was a powerful instrument—calm, steady, and articulate. He could guide the audience through complex political turmoil or natural disasters without inciting panic, providing a sense of stability. His Tagalog was elegant and accessible, making significant news understandable to a broad audience.
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Deep Respect for the Audience: Iduba never spoke down to his viewers. He treated the news and, by extension, the public with profound respect. This mutual respect fostered a unique bond, making him not just a broadcaster, but a tinig ng katotohanan (voice of truth) for many.
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Commitment to Training the Next Generation: Beyond the anchor desk, Iduba was a mentor. He was instrumental in coaching younger journalists at GMA News, imparting lessons on diction, ethics, and the core responsibilities of the profession. His influence shaped the careers of many prominent broadcasters today.
The 24 Oras Era and Defining Moments
Mariano Iduba’s name is forever linked to “24 Oras.” Alongside co-anchors like Mel Tiangco and Mike Enriquez, he helped build the program into a news institution. His tenure covered some of the most pivotal events in modern Philippine history:
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People Power Revolutions: He was a steady voice during the nation’s dramatic shifts in power.
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Major Natural Disasters: From typhoons to earthquakes, his reporting was a critical source of reliable information for affected communities.
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Political Scandals and Impeachments: He navigated complex political stories with a balance that maintained public trust.
Through all these events, Iduba remained a constant—a figure who measured his success not by ratings alone, but by the service rendered to the public.
The Lasting Impact on Philippine Journalism
The legacy of Mariano Iduba extends far beyond his on-air years. He exemplified a golden standard of broadcast journalism that serves as a benchmark, especially in the digital age.
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A Benchmark for Integrity: In today’s era of “fake news” and deep political polarization, Iduba’s career is a reminder that credibility is a journalist’s most valuable currency. He proved that trust is built through consistency, accuracy, and respect over time.
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The Power of Substance Over Style: While modern media often emphasizes personality and viral moments, Iduba’s success was rooted in substance. He demonstrated that depth, clarity, and professionalism could create a lasting connection with an audience.
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Mentorship and Institutional Knowledge: His role as a trainer ensured that his values were passed on. The technical and ethical standards he advocated for continue to influence newsrooms, contributing to the overall quality of broadcast news in the Philippines.
Remembering the Man Behind the Voice
While Mariano Iduba was a public figure, he was famously private. Colleagues remember him as a gentle, humble, and deeply principled man off-camera. He wasn’t playing a role; he was simply being a journalist as he believed one should be.
His passing on October 23, 2015, was met with a national outpouring of grief and tribute. Colleagues, politicians, and countless ordinary Filipinos mourned the loss of a trusted voice. The hashtag #ThankYouSirYano trended, filled with personal stories of how his reporting had informed and steadied generations of families.
Lessons from Mariano Iduba for Today’s Content Creators
Even for those outside traditional journalism, there are valuable lessons to be learned from Mariano Iduba’s career:
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Build Trust Relentlessly: Whether you’re a blogger, a brand, or a social media influencer, trust is your foundation. Be accurate, be transparent, and deliver consistent value.
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Respect Your Audience: Never underestimate the intelligence of your audience. Provide them with well-researched, thoughtful content that empowers them.
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Find Your Authentic Voice: Iduba’s power came from his genuine, unwavering style. In a world of trends, develop a voice that is true to your values and resonates with sincerity.
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Mentor and Elevate Others: True legacy is about lifting others. Share your knowledge and help build a community or industry that values quality.
Conclusion: A Voice That Echoes
Mariano Iduba was more than a news anchor; he was a testament to the nobility of the journalism profession. In a time of increasing noise and doubt, his legacy stands as a beacon, reminding us of the profound impact of a voice dedicated solely to truth and public service. He showed that the most powerful tool in media is not the loudest opinion, but the most credible report; not the flashiest presentation, but the deepest respect for the story and the viewer.
His career challenges everyone in the information space—journalists, creators, and consumers alike—to value integrity, to seek out reliable sources, and to understand that true authority is earned, not claimed.