NUJP tackled the recent issue involving Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao
Veteran journalists Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao‘s interviews with businesswoman Sarah Discaya became controversial, and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) released a statement on this.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto raised a point through his now viral Facebook post about the interviews conducted by Korina and Julius with his 2025 midterm elections opponent. The Mayor alleged that a large amount of money was involved in those interviews.
Korina and Julius defended themselves, pointing out that it was not investigative reporting but just a story of “rags to riches.” The journalists also denied that millions were paid for that interview.
On Sunday, August 24, NUJP released a statement on this matter, based on the article in PEP. The union reminded journalists that receiving money or any other form of gifts or payment for coverage is a threat to editorial independence, and this would have a negative effect on their profession and people in the industry.
NUJP also stressed that incidents like this would just strengthen the narrative that journalism is being bought and sold, which is contrary to the duties of journalists who served as the public’s “watchdog” against corruption in government and private sectors.
“It also erodes trust in our profession and in its practitioners and plays into the narrative that journalism can be bought and sold, undermining its critical role as a watchdog against corruption, whether in government or the private sector,” the unions said.
However, NUJP stressed that the allegations against Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao should be proven. The union, on the other hand, acknowledged that solicitation and undisclosed paid content are common in the industry.
“In some cases, this is a matter of survival in an industry where many colleagues are paid minimum wage or less for their work. In some newsrooms, media workers are forced to seek advertisers and sponsors for their salaries or are forced by circumstance to augment their pay with ‘allowances’ and ‘gas money’ for coverage,” NUJP said.
Although, this situation is a reality in the industry, the union pointed out that this should not be the reason for journalist to go against the Code of Ethics that they have been following since 1988, and it is just to show the context while some journalits would be under “ethical dilemmas and at the mercy of political and business interests.”
The union also encouraged their colleagues “to revisit and reaffirm ethical guidelines through resources available online, including NUJP’s Ethical Guide for Filipino Journalists.”
NUJP also called out to news managers to pay deligently and fairly all the staff members and correspondents. “NUJP is ready and has been working with colleagues and with media and press freedom groups for a safer, better and more ethical practice of journalism in the country,” the union said.