Journalists Defend ⁣Interviews with ‌Contractor-Candidate Amid Bribery Allegations

Pasig City, Philippines – Prominent journalists are defending interviews conducted with Sarah Discaya, a‌ contractor⁣ now ⁤running for mayor of Pasig City, after current Mayor vico Sotto publicly questioned the ⁤ethics ⁢of accepting interviews ​from individuals seeking office adn alleged a potential payment of ₱10 million for‍ the features.⁣ The controversy ⁤centers around interviews conducted by Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao, aired before Discaya formally announced her candidacy.

Sotto⁢ shared screenshots of the ⁢interviews on social media Thursday, questioning why seasoned journalists⁣ would agree to⁤ interview a contractor actively ⁤pursuing a political position. He suggested a financial incentive may have been involved, stating, “Wait, why is this ‍person willing to⁢ give⁤ 10 million just​ to be interviewed‌ by me?” and characterizing ⁢such arrangements as “shameful” and a violation of journalistic ⁣ethics. He⁢ clarified the ⁢₱10 million figure was ‌not precise but represented​ the nature of the alleged transactions.

Both Sanchez and ⁤Babao have vehemently denied any wrongdoing.Producers ‍of Sanchez’s ⁢show emphasized that Discaya and her husband, Curlee, had recently gained public attention,​ making them a subject of legitimate public interest. They stated the interview focused on the ⁢couple’s “rags-to-riches” story​ and was⁣ presented “without ‌additions or omissions.” They also confirmed that the⁣ Discayas‍ were prohibited ‍from using the interview footage ​for campaign purposes ‍and that the ‌interview aired⁤ prior to the ‌official campaign period.

Babao, in an interview with Pep.ph’s Jojo Gabinete, ⁣similarly asserted the 2024 interview was not politically motivated. “It was a profile feature ‍of a couple who rose from rags to riches because of⁤ their different business⁣ ventures,” he explained. He also denied the ₱10 million allegation,‍ stating the Discayas ​had not expressed any⁤ political ambitions at the time of the interview and were simply seeking to ​share their success story.

The journalists and producers further emphasized that all content aired adhered to the strict standards of the broadcasting ​stations and received approval ⁢from station management. Sotto acknowledged the existence of ethical journalists within the media landscape ‌but expressed disappointment at practices that could undermine the profession’s⁤ integrity.

The controversy highlights growing concerns about potential ⁢conflicts⁣ of interest in media coverage during the lead-up to​ the 2025 elections and ⁣raises questions about the boundaries between journalism and political influence.