Why Jessica Soho Says Corruption Is the Real Horror We Should Fear
JESSICA SOHO – Veteran journalist Jessica Soho has stirred national conversation after delivering a powerful message calling out corrupt officials in the country.
From dominating television for nearly a decade, KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim now makes its way to the big screen through GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs. The film features three spine-chilling stories—“Pocong,” “Berbalang,” and “Sanib”—with veteran broadcaster Jessica Soho serving as the narrator.
But beyond tales of the supernatural, Jessica shared that what truly frightens her is not found in horror scripts but in real life—the rampant corruption in government.
“Yung downward spiral. Yung magtuluy-tuloy yung nangyayaring situwasyon sa ating lipunan. Hindi tayo makaahon. Nakakatakot, e,” Jessica began. She emphasized how corrupt officials seem unaffected by the consequences of their actions. “Sila, yung mga kurakot, okay na sila, e. They can leave anytime. Malamang ang dami na nilang nakurakot, di ba? Paano naman tayo? Paano naman yung mga araw-araw nagsisikap na mabuhay dito sa ating bansa? Yun naman ang nakakatakot.”
Although corruption is not new, she noted that the public still appears slow to learn from history. She pointed out the economic downfall the country experienced decades ago. “Kasi, nakita na natin ‘to noong 1980s. Ang sama ng reputasyon ng Pilipinas. Lumayas yung mga investors, nagkaroon ng capital flight. Bumagsak yung ekonomiya. Na-survive naman natin. Pero sana, wag naman magkaroon ng round 2, tama na.”
Jessica Soho on Choosing the Right Leaders
At 61, and with 40 years of experience as a respected journalist, Jessica believes that the public plays a crucial role in solving the nation’s problems. “It all boils down to sino ba kasi ang mga binoboto natin? Dapat matuto na tayo…” she said.
She added that the Philippines, being just over a hundred years old, is still a young republic undergoing challenges. “Ibig sabihin, baka part ito ng mahabang process or evolution bago tayo matuto ng leksyon.”
However, she stressed that this should not justify stagnation. “41 [years] na kong journalist. Sabi ko, sana naman may mga nagbago… E, unfortunately, nandoon pa rin tayo sa ganitong situwasyon.”
Jessica urged Filipinos to vote wisely. “Matuto na tayong bumoto, piliin talaga ang tama. Huwag tayong papadala sa sweet talks…”
Reacting to the reminder against vote-buying, she firmly agreed: “Yun, tama, kasi dinadaan nila sa pera. Wag ganon. Kasi, alam na natin kung ano ang magiging resulta.”
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