GMA Network takes exception to the statement of the camp of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. that broadcast journalist Jessica Soho is supposedly biased against the Marcoses, the reason for the presidential candidate to decline participation in “The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews.”
In a statement sent by GMA’s Corporate Affairs & Communications Department to Manila Standard Entertainment, the network underscored that “throughout her career, Soho has consistently been named the most trusted media personality in the Philippines by both local and foreign organizations, a testament to her embodying the GMA News and Public Affairs ethos: “Walang Kinikilingan, Walang Pinoprotektahan, Serbisyong Totoo Lamang.”
“This same ethos has guided Soho and the whole GMA News and Public Affairs organization, which is the most trusted media organization in the Philippines, according to the University of Oxford/Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism,” the statement continued.
This was in response to Marcos’ spokesperson Vic Rodriguez’s earlier statement saying, “We believe her questions will just focus on negativity about BBM which the UniTeam dislike.”
GMA statement also said that it is unfortunate that Marcos has chosen to decline the invitation extended by the network to participate in “The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews,” even as four other aspirants — Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, and Vice President Leni Robredo — have chosen to participate and take the opportunity to explain their advocacies to the public.
“In this must-see special, Ms. Soho boldly asks the presidential aspirants the questions that need to be asked – their intentions behind running for the position, the controversies thrown at them, their stand on pressing issues and their concrete plans should they be elected. The questions are tough because the job of the presidency is tough,” the network said.
“We believe that this is an important exercise to inform the public about the candidates seeking their votes in Eleksyon 2022, to help them make the best, most informed choice on their ballots,” the statement ended.