MANILA, Philippines — GMA Network on Saturday objected to the statement of the camp of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. that broadcast journalist Jessica Soho is supposedly biased against the Marcoses.
“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 Kapuso network said in a statement.
The broadcast giant stressed that throughout her career, Soho has consistently been named the most trusted media personality in the Philippines by both local and foreign organizations, which it noted is a testament to her embodiment of the GMA News and Public Affairs’ standard of having no bias.
“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… have chosen to participate and take the opportunity to explain their advocacies to the public,” GMA said.
According to the network, Soho “boldly asks” the presidential aspirants important questions such as 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 stressed.
Atty. Victor Rodriguez, Marcos’ chief of staff and spokesperson, earlier said that the former senator declined to be interviewed by Soho because their camp believes that she is “biased against the Marcoses.”
Rodriguez said their camp believes that Soho’s questions will “just focus on negativity” about the son and namesake of the late dictator.
The other top presidential candidates who accepted GMA’s invitation were Vice President Leni Robredo, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, and Sen. Manny Pacquiao.
The Jessica Soho presidential interviews will be aired on Saturday night.