Who Is Karmina Constantino? Meet the Voice Behind ANC’s Dateline Philippines

Karmina Constantino (full name Anna Karmina Balderrama Constantino-Torres) is a respected Filipino broadcast journalist. She was born on February 14, 1975, and is best known for anchoring Dateline Philippines on ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) during weekdays.

Who Is Karmina Constantino? Biography, Age & Family Details

Karmina started her career in media after studying film at the University of the Philippines Diliman. After graduation, she applied for a job at Sky News, which was located just five minutes from her home. Although she was offered a reporter’s role, she chose to become a production assistant. Her passion and skill quickly led her to writing and producing special reports. When Sky News merged with Sarimanok News Network to become ANC, Karmina stayed on and was later given an anchor’s chair temporarily — which led to her long and successful on-air career.

Over the years, Karmina has taken on many roles. She co-hosted Breakfast on Studio 23, filled in on Mornings @ ANC, and currently co-hosts Isyu Spotted on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and TeleRadyo with Tony Velasquez.

In 2022, she and Velasquez represented ABS-CBN in the PiliPinas Forum 2022, a major interview series for presidential candidates, held in partnership with the Commission on Elections.

Award-Winning Journalism

Karmina was recognized in 2022 with two prestigious journalism fellowships:

• The Jaime V. Ongpin Journalism Fellowship

• The Marshall McLuhan Fellowship

She is known for her sharp questions and strong stand on press freedom. During an interview with presidential candidate Jose Montemayor Jr., Karmina defended the integrity of ANC and herself after Montemayor made accusations about bribery. Her bold response went viral and was widely praised.

Views on Disinformation

In a Reddit interview, Karmina emphasized that journalists must “seek the truth always and retell the same” as a way to fight disinformation.

Personal Connection to History

On the death of former President Fidel V. Ramos, Karmina posted a touching tribute. She shared photos from her 2015 interview with him, where he had personally apologized to her and her family — a moment that revealed his humanity, according to her.

Family and Personal Life

Karmina comes from a well-known family of activists and thinkers. She is:

• The granddaughter of historian Renato Constantino

• The niece of singer-activist Karina Constantino David

• The daughter of activist Renato “RC” Constantino Jr.

• A cousin to journalist Kara David

In 2015, Karmina survived a brain aneurysm, a major health scare she overcame. She is married and has four children.

Karmina’s Ongoing Media Presence

Karmina is active on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and TeleRadyo, co-hosting shows with Tony Velasquez. She also plays a major role in election coverage and national debates.

Her strong presence online and offline makes her a trusted face in Philippine news.