Vico Sotto hits interviews by broadcasters with Discaya couple | ANC

The World Tonight: Broadcasters Korina Sanchez-Roxas and Julius Babao hit back at Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto for claiming they were paid millions to interview a couple tagged in alleged ghost flood control projects.

In a Facebook post, Sotto criticized journalists for interviewing his 2025 mayoral race opponent, Sarah Discaya, and her husband, Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II. Sotto questioned why journalists would accept a P10-million offer to interview a contractor entering politics, though he later clarified the amount was not exact. This controversy emerged after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed a list of top contractors for flood control projects, with the Discayas’ company, Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor and Development Corp., ranking second.

The producers of Sanchez-Roxas’s shows have denied the allegations, calling them “malicious insinuations” that could constitute cyber libel. They maintain that their content is transparent, adheres to strict standards, and is based on public interest. Julius Babao has also denied receiving any payment for the interview.

University of the Philippines journalism professor Danilo Arao weighed in on the issue, emphasizing that there should be no paid segments in journalism and that a clear line must be drawn between being a journalist and a product endorser.

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