Veteran broadcast journalist Arnold Clavio publicly called out Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto after the mayor’s recent remarks implying that some members of the media allegedly accept payment in exchange for interviews.
In an Instagram post on Friday, August 22, Clavio directly addressed Sotto, urging him to present concrete proof if his claims involve fellow broadcasters Julius Babao and Korina Sanchez.
“Mayor, kung mayroon kang matibay na ebidensiya laban kina Babao at Sanchez, na nagpabayad sa mag-asawang Discaya para sila ay makapanayam, ilantad mo,” Clavio wrote.
He expressed surprise and disappointment over what he described as an “irresponsible” statement coming from the city mayor. Clavio questioned Sotto’s vague references and challenged him to avoid relying on insinuations.
“Huwag kang magtago sa mga pasaring, parinig o haka-haka, dahil sa industriya namin mahalaga ang terminong ‘verification’ ng facts sa pagbabalita,” he said.
Clavio stressed that the issue goes beyond Babao and Sanchez, warning that such accusations place the credibility of the entire journalism profession at risk.
“Hindi ito para ipagtanggol ko ang dalawang mamamahayag sa paninira ni Sotto kundi ang ma-proteksyunan ang buong industriya ng pamamahayag—na kinukuhanan ng impormasyon ng publiko,” he added, noting how traditional media already faces challenges against social media misinformation.
In his closing remarks, Clavio reminded Sotto that both government officials and journalists have responsibilities to the public and should respect each other’s roles.
“Parehas tayo ng layunin – magkaroon ng malinis na gobyerno. Pero huwag mo namang isingit sa kamalayan ng mga Pilipino na ikaw lang ang malinis at matuwid. May trabaho ka. May trabaho rin kami. Respeto. Walang Personalan,” he said.
