Korina Sanchez Addresses Paid Interview Claims Early
Korina Sanchez-Roxas, known professionally as Korina Sanchez, has responded to recent allegations concerning paid interviews in the political arena. The news anchor’s camp addressed statements made by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, who suggested that some veteran journalists accept payments for interviews with political guests.
Officials reported that Sanchez’s team issued a statement on Friday afternoon following Mayor Sotto’s social media post. The post featured an image of Sanchez and broadcaster Julius Babao alongside the Discaya couple, Curlee and Sarah, with a caption alleging that certain guests offered up to P10 million for an interview.
Commitment to Ethical Storytelling
Sanchez’s programs, “Korina Interviews” and “Rated Korina,” emphasized their dedication to high standards in storytelling and production. “Our host, Ms. Korina Sanchez Roxas, holds a respected position in the industry for solid reasons,” the statement read.
It further clarified, “First, we select subjects and topics based on public interest and current relevance. Second, we avoid ‘hit’ pieces that bash or slander individuals or businesses. Third, we do not produce ‘puff’ or vanity pieces; interviewees simply share their life stories.” Community members noted that the shows have featured numerous personalities over the years, including relatives of Mayor Sotto such as Senator Tito Sotto, Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, MTRCB chief Lala Sotto, and Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski.
Public Interest and Transparency
According to sources, the Discaya couple’s interview was driven by their sudden rise to public attention, making their story relevant and newsworthy. “We do not label our interviewees as villains or heroes. Their rags-to-riches story was presented as told,” the statement explained in a mix of English and Filipino.
It also stressed that any inaccuracies in the interview are the responsibility of the accuser to highlight. This transparency aims to maintain the integrity of the program and its host.
Repeated Invitations and Interview Restrictions
Officials revealed that Sanchez’s team attempted to reach out to Mayor Sotto multiple times since he took office, including notifying his mother, veteran actress Coney Reyes, about plans to feature the mayor in a story on the Discayas. However, the mayor reportedly declined all interview requests.
The camp clarified that the Discayas are prohibited from using the interview footage for other purposes, as it remains the property of the company and network. They also noted that the interview aired well before the campaign period, and any interviews involving political candidates were removed from official platforms during the election period.
Denial of P10 Million Interview Payment
Statements from Sanchez’s camp firmly denied the claim of a P10 million payment for the interview. “All content aired follows strict standards approved by station management. There is no such thing as a P10 million placement for an interview,” they asserted.
The statement warned that “malicious insinuations posted on Facebook that damage the reputation of our shows or host clearly amount to cyber libel.” They emphasized the importance of thoughtful restraint in public discourse to uphold truth and fairness. “We hope this clarifies the issues and welcome further respectful questions,” the statement concluded.
Earlier Statement and Payment Clarifications
Previously, Sanchez’s camp issued a now-deleted, more direct statement addressing the allegations. It clarified that Sanchez only learned of the Discaya interview on the day it aired and did not personally coordinate with the couple.
They also disclosed that payments related to businesses, products, personalities, companies, or politicians—similar to advertising fees—are processed through the network with official receipts issued to clients.
Mayor Vico Sotto’s Reaction
Mayor Vico Sotto’s viral post, which garnered over 140,000 reactions on Facebook, acknowledged that the interview was not illegal but expressed disappointment. “They can hide in gray areas: ‘this is not journalism… more of a lifestyle… it needs a sponsor…’ but let’s not fool ourselves,” he wrote.
He urged journalists to invest in their reputation and credibility rather than lending it to corrupt individuals in exchange for money. The mayor also highlighted the systemic nature of corruption in the country and encouraged collective action to break the cycle.
It is worth noting that Sarah Discaya was a mayoral opponent of Vico Sotto in the 2025 midterm elections, adding context to the sensitivity of the interview and its timing.
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