IN MEMORIAM: Aries Rufo, investigative journalist

MANILA, Philippines – To the public, Aries Rufo was a fearless investigative journalist whose incisive reports cut to the very heart of thorny issues plaguing the country – from irregularities and abuses, to corruption in both the church and government.

But to his Rappler and Newsbreak families, he was not only a hardworking and self-effacing colleague, he was also a beloved friend.

An expert on many issues, Aries covered several beats starting out as a reporter with The Manila Times before joining Newsbreak Magazine as a writer in 2001. He honed his investigative skills with Newsbreak, having been exposed to beats that included the National Bureau of Investigation, Church, Comelec, the courts, and the Senate. In the process, he honed a wide network of sources.

Aries was generous with his time, his knowledge, and was more than willing to share what he knew with both young and veteran journalists. In his more than two decades of doing journalism, he has written countless stories that challenged authorities and institutions. He also wrote the best-selling book, Altar of Secrets: Sex, Politics, and Money in the Philippine Catholic Church launched in 2013. In his dedication, he wrote then: “For those who remain steadfast in their faith yet ache for reforms within the Holy Mother Church.” It was the culmination of stories on the Church.

Asked during a podcast on Investigative Journalism why he does what he does, he said he wanted to break from what was routine and predictable, and to provide the public with a different perspective on issues. 

Asked what he would tell aspiring, young investigative journalists, Aries said that more than courage, they need guts and passion. “You have to have guts and passion, and you should also love what you’re doing.”

Beyond the byline, he loved travel, astrology, and badminton. On occasion, he would read the palms of colleagues and even sources and totally disarm them. He was engaging and had mastered the art of getting people to open up to him and share what they knew and what they thought.

Colleagues say it is difficult to refer to Aries in the past tense. His life and work will remain an inspiration to all of us at Rappler – to remain committed to the truth, and to deliver it to the public, no matter what. 

Thank you, Aries, for being part of the Rappler family. Your words, your voice will live with us. – Rappler.com