In a media landscape already rife with political intrigue, two of the Philippines’ most recognizable broadcast veterans—Julius Babao and Korina Sanchez—are now at the center of a firestorm that threatens to shake the very foundations of journalism in the country.

The controversy erupted when Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto posted a cryptic but cutting remark on social media earlier this month. Without directly naming names, Sotto pointed to old interviews featuring contractor-turned-politicians Sarah and Curlee Discaya, hinting that the couple may have secured airtime by paying as much as ₱10 million for the privilege. The post included screenshots of interviews aired in 2024—segments that seemed, on the surface, like lifestyle features. But Sotto’s insinuation landed like a grenade, igniting online outrage and fueling questions of journalistic ethics.

The Allegation That Sparked an Uproar

“Why accept the offer when someone might be willing to pay ₱10 million for an interview?” Sotto wrote, suggesting—but not confirming—that the Discayas bought favorable coverage. While the mayor admitted the amount wasn’t an exact figure, the damage was done. In a digital era where screenshots and hashtags move faster than facts, Sotto’s statement spread like wildfire across Facebook and X, spawning memes, debates, and heated threads.

Was it simply a lifestyle feature? Or was it a transaction disguised as journalism?

Immediate Denials: “No Money Changed Hands”

Julius Babao moved quickly to defend himself. In a radio interview, his voice carried a mix of frustration and resolve:

“There was no ₱10 million involved. The feature was about hard work, perseverance, and success—not politics, not government projects. At that time, the Discayas had no declared political ambitions. It was never a news report.”

Korina Sanchez, equally forceful, released a statement through her production team, denouncing the allegation as “malicious and irresponsible.” Her camp even hinted that Sotto’s remarks could border on cyber libel, making it clear they wouldn’t let reputations built over decades be tarnished by what they described as baseless insinuations.

Babao’s Frustration, Sanchez’s Fire

For Babao, whose decades-long career has included both hard news and lifestyle features, the implication cut deep. His critics weren’t just questioning a single interview—they were questioning his entire body of work.

Sanchez, never one to back down, sharpened the counterattack. Her team doubled down on her long-standing brand: features rooted in human-interest storytelling, not cash-for-coverage. “Our platform has always given a voice to people with inspiring stories,” her statement read. “This is no different.”

The Industry Reacts

The controversy didn’t stay confined to Babao and Sanchez. Journalists across networks rushed to weigh in. Many voiced solidarity with the embattled anchors, calling the allegations “unfounded” and warning against the dangerous precedent of public officials casually throwing shade on media figures without evidence.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) used the moment to sound a broader alarm. In a statement, they urged media organizations to double down on transparency when producing features involving high-profile figures, political or otherwise.

“Even unproven claims of paid coverage erode public trust. Ethical clarity is non-negotiable,” the group warned.

Public Opinion Splits

Online, reactions were predictably divided. Some netizens rallied to Babao and Sanchez’s defense, highlighting their decades of credible work. Others, fueled by distrust in traditional media, seized on the allegations as proof of corruption in the industry.

A trending comment captured the mood:

“It doesn’t even matter if it’s true. The fact that people believe it shows how little trust is left in mainstream media.”

The Bigger Picture

The incident underscores a volatile truth: in today’s media environment, perception can be as damaging as proof. Even if Babao and Sanchez never accepted a centavo, the mere suggestion that airtime can be bought for ₱10 million weakens journalism’s credibility in the eyes of the public.

For the broadcasters, the stakes are personal. For the industry, they’re existential.

Where Things Stand

As of today, Mayor Sotto has not released a follow-up statement or clarified his post. Babao continues to appear in media circles, though under a heavier cloud of scrutiny. Sanchez remains firm, her production teams vowing legal action if necessary.

But one thing is clear: this is more than a squabble between politicians and journalists. It is a stress test of trust, pitting rumor against reputation, suspicion against transparency.

And in the world of news—where credibility is everything—that may be the most expensive battle of all.