Veteran broadcasters Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao have pushed back against allegations raised by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto that some prominent journalists received up to ₱10 million from a contractor-turned-politician in exchange for media interviews.
Sotto, in a social media post, cast doubt on the motives behind massive placement fees allegedly paid by contractors seeking airtime. While he admitted such deals may not be technically illegal, he argued that they compromise journalistic integrity.
Although Sotto did not name anyone directly, he used a screenshot from interviews of contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya on Rated Korina, Korina Interviews, and Babao’s YouTube channel — prompting both journalists to issue denials.
KORINA SANCHEZ’S RESPONSE
In a statement, the production team behind Rated Korina and Korina Interviews defended Sanchez’s editorial standards.
📷: ViKtory 8 Media Inc.
“The platforms Korina Interviews and Rated Korina both take pride in its standards in storytelling and production. Both shows are multi-awarded by credible award-giving bodies through the years. Our host Ms. Korina Sanchez-Roxas has her esteemed place in the industry for very sturdy reasons,” the statement read.
In a now-deleted post, Sanchez’s camp further stressed that her shows are not vehicles for smear campaigns nor investigative reports.
“Firstly, in choosing subjects and topics for our shows, there must be public interest in it, plus a story to tell. Second, bashing or criticizing or slandering other personalities or businesses is strictly disallowed. Third, subjects simply tell their life story. This is no investigative piece.”
The camp clarified that the Discayas’ interview was intended as a “rags-to-riches” feature. Sanchez, they said, only learned on the day of taping that the couple planned to run for public office, and the interview was taped before the campaign period.
JULIUS BABAO’S SIDE
Meanwhile, Julius Babao, who featured the Discayas on his YouTube vlog, flatly denied the ₱10 million allegation.
📷: Julius Babao Unplugged
“Nung mangyari ang interview, wala pang nabanggit na plano ang mag-asawa na papasukin nila ang pulitika. Hindi pa din lumabas ang kahit anong isyu na may kinalaman sa kanilang mga government projects nung panahong ito. Ang nais lang nila noon ay ma-share ang kanilang success story sa publiko,” Babao said.
He stressed that his vlog was purely inspirational content.
“The vlog is intended to inspire people that there is hope to be successful if you persevere,” Babao added, emphasizing that it was part of his lifestyle features, not political promotion.