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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider GMA Network takes exception to BBM's accusation of 'bias' vs top TV host

GMA Network takes exception to BBM's accusation of 'bias' vs top TV host

Published Jan 22, 2022 02:34 pm

Popular broadcast network GMA-7 took exception to the accusation hurled by the camp of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard bearer Bongbong Marcos that top broadcast journalist Jessica Sotto is “biased” against the Marcos family.

Jessica Soho

“GMA Network takes exception to the statement of the camp of former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. that Kapuso news pillar Jessica Soho is supposedly biased against the Marcoses, the reason for the presidential candidate to decline participation on "The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews,” the network said in a statement.

The network released the statement in response to the press release distributed to the media by lawyer Victor Rodriguez, Marcos' spokesman and chief of staff as to the reason why the former senator rejected the invitation to appear in Soho's program that was to be initially aired on Jan. 22.

“Throughout her career, Ms. 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,” said the network.

It added: “This same ethos has guided Ms. 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.”

“It is unfortunate that Mr. 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,” GMA Network stated.

The country’s top broadcast network stressed: “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,” GMA-7 pointed out.

“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,” added the broadcast giant.

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