Vico Sotto tags Korina Sanchez, Julius Babao in post about trending Discaya interviews

The politician posted his sentiments through his social media account.

In a post on Thursday night on his Facebook page, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto uploaded screencaps of the viral interviews featuring his 2025 election rival Sarah Discaya with veteran journalists Korina Sanchez-Roxas and Julius Babao.

In the original videos, the broadcasters were given an insider look into the lives and the physical assets of the Discayas, whose construction business is currently being subjected to public scrutiny in light of recent events.

“With these interviews again going viral, let’s look at it from a different angle,” the city mayor began his post.

He then rhetorically asked how journalists think when they hear a person, in this case a contractor, entering politics is willing to shell out money to be interviewed by them.

“I know for a fact that there are many good, honest people in media who are disappointed, if not angered, at practices like this which undermine the integrity of their profession,” Sotto furthered.

Mayor Vico then went to say that, perhaps, the personalities that interviewed them may have not done “anything technically illegal,” but added that is should still be considered “shameful and violative of the spirit of their code of ethics.”

But he stood by his earlier point that journalists and news personalities rose to prominence with their reputation and credibility, which are also the same things that they lend to people, including corrupt figures.

“Let’s remember that corruption is systemic… it permeates into every sector of society, not just government. But we can slowly, but surely, break this cycle if more and more of us consistently do our part, wherever we are and whatever are position may be, one step at a time,” he ended his post that has already garnered over 100,000 reactions as of writing.

SANCHEZ-ROXAS TEAM’S STATEMENT

Through the Philippine Star, the production team behind Korina Sanchez-Roxas’ weekly topical magazine show ‘Rated Korina’ and the interview program ‘Korina Interviews’ jointly responded to the statements made by Mayor Sotto.

“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’s first paragraph read.

The production team then explained the process on how they choose a subject or topic for their show, stating that their first consideration is that it must be of public interest and there is a story to tell.

“Second, bashing or criticizing or slandering other personalities or businesses is strictly disallowed. Third, subjects simply tell their lifestory. This is no investigative piece,” it added.

‘Rated Korina,’ for decades, has told the stories of many personalities, including politicians and public figures—with Mayor Vico’s relatives even being featured, like his uncle Sen. Tito Sotto and cousins Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and MTRCB Chief Lala Sotto. “The same have been the content of several other magazine shows and interviews of many hosts from all the networks,” it continued.

As for the Sara and Curlee Discaya interview, their rags to riches story was their story, according to the group.

“While the feature in itself was never intended to be investigative but simply a success story, should there have been anything untrue about what they claimed after airing last year, it was and is up to the accuser to point this out. And we will air it if verified,” the show assured.

Defending the host, “In fairness to Ms. Sanchez, our host interviewer, she only found out she was interviewing a Pasig mayoralty candidate on the day itself and it was not Ms. Sanchez who was in contact with the couple for the interview.”

Moreover, they also stated that they have reached out to Sotto’s camp during his second term and his mother, actress Coney Reyes, for an interview—but the requests gave always been declined, as per the statement.

The TV programs then continued that when the interview was conducted, it was well before campaign period and aired in November 2024 and January 2025.

“Yes, Mayor Sotto, there are payments for certain businesses such as that of the Discayas, products, personalities, companies or politicians much like payments made for advertisements — and these go to the network with an official receipt issued to the client,” the production noted.

However, “There is no such thing as a P10 million placement for an interview. It is irresponsible to even say such, to say the least.”

“As your malice is posted on Facebook and publicly besmirches the reputation of Ms. Sanchez, this clearly constitutes cyber libel. To insinuate that our show is irresponsible in that we only air what is paid for is slanderous,” they added.

It continued, “Mr. Mayor, just because you won your seat of public trust, this does does not put you in a position of authority over editorial prerogative nor does it give you license to cast doubt against the integrity of seasoned journalists only because they interviewed your opponent (who did not say anything against you in said shows) and that you refuse to be interviewed.“

They then conveyed that the Discayas are “not allowed to use the interview video they are propagating and their attention shall be legally called on this matter,” as all interviews of those who ran for office have been taken down from their official sites right after the elections.

“We hope your issues have been clarified and we will be happy to entertain any more of your confusions. While we recognize free speech and the platforms with which we express opinions, there is also such a thing as thoughtful restraint that benefits truth and fairness. We all claim to be Christian, after all,” the statement ended.

BABAO’S RESPONSE

In his message to entertainment news portal PEP, Julius Babao explained his side and denied allegations of having been paid PHP 10 million to conduct the interview.

“At the time and month in 2024 when the interview was made, it was a profile feature of a couple who rose from rags to riches because of their different business ventures,” he said.

He furthered, “Walang katotohanang may 10 million na involved for this interview,” and said that the feature’s sole intention was to inspire viewers.

Lastly, “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,” the broadcaster stated.

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