📷: Vico Sotto | FB
In a sharply worded Facebook post that swiftly went viral, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto criticized well-known media figures for allegedly receiving hefty payments, reportedly reaching ₱10 million, to conduct interviews with contractors seeking political office.
“With these interviews again going viral, let’s look at it from a different angle,” Sotto wrote, urging the public to question the motivations behind such high-priced media appearances.
“Bago tanggapin ng mga kilalang journalists ang alok para mag-interview ng Contractor na Pumapasok sa Politika, hindi ba nila naisip na, “Uy teka, ba’t kaya handa ’to magbigay ng 10 million* para lang magpa-interview sa akin??”
While Sotto clarified that these practices may not be technically illegal, he emphasized that they violate the spirit of journalistic ethics.
“Puwede silang magtago sa grey areas: “hindi naman journalism ito… more of lifestyle lang… kailangan kasi ng sponsor…” pero ’wag na tayong maglokohan. They rose to national prominence as broadcast journalists/news personalities; puhunan [dapat] nila ang kanilang reputasyon at kredibilidad… at sa ganitong kalakaran, ito rin ang reputasyon at kredibilidad na pinahihiram nila sa mga corrupt kapalit ng 💵.”
Sotto’s post resonated with many in the media industry, especially those who feel disillusioned by what he described as the erosion of integrity in journalism.
“I know for a fact that there are many good, honest people in media who are disappointed, if not angered, at practices like this,” he added.
He concluded with a broader reflection on systemic corruption: “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 our position may be, one step at a time.” (ROSE NOVENARIO)
