Ed Lingao
Eduardo D. Lingao is a Filipino broadcast journalist, investigative reporter, war correspondent and news anchor. He has worked across print, television, and online platforms.
Early life and education
Lingao completed his Journalism degree at the University of [the Philippines College of Mass Communication] in 1988. He was a student during the 1986 People Power Revolution, an event he has said influenced his worldview and his approach to journalism.Career
Print journalism beginnings
Lingao began his career in print journalism with The Manila Chronicle in 1987. He joined The Manila Times as a reporter in 1989. In 1992, he had a brief stint in broadcasting with SkyCable News before returning to The Manila Times in 1998 to take on editorial roles until the temporary closure of the newspaper outfit.Broadcast and war correspondence
Lingao moved into broadcast journalism with ABS-CBN Integrated News & Current Affairs. Through his work on The Correspondents, he has covered numerous local conflict zones, including clashes between military forces and rebel groups in Mindanao, as well as international conflicts such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (2001–2021)|Afghanistan]. He has also reported on high-risk political and security events, including the Oakwood Mutiny.Lingao subsequently took on the role of manager of ABC‑5 News Operations.
Multimedia and investigative journalism
In 2009, Lingao joined the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) as Multimedia Director, where he oversaw the integration of print, broadcast, and digital platforms for investigative reporting. He produced in-depth documentaries and investigative pieces on topics including governance, electoral reforms, human rights, policing, military affairs, and corruption. One of his significant investigative works involved the aftermath of the Maguindanao massacre, exploring the political power dynamics of the Ampatuan clan.Return to broadcasting
Beginning in 2014, Lingao returned to broadcast media, working with TV5 and OneNews. Among his notable shows are Wag Po!, a social commentary talk show that he co-hosted, and The Chiefs, a current affairs program. He currently anchors late-night newscast Frontline Tonight and primetime news program Storycon.Personal life
Lingao and wife, Esther, launched the Laptop Project, which donates laptops to students in remote areas, inspired partly by their late daughter, Elizabeth or Ellie, who passed away from aneurysm in 2017.He has been nicknamed "Grass Man" or "Damong Lingao" within the PCIJ due to his fondness for military-green attire and frequent field assignments.