Veteran broadcast journalist Christian Esguerra revealed that several politicians have attempted to pay him in exchange for features on his independent platform, ‘Fact First’.
Speaking with fellow journalist Karmina Constantino on the August 22 episode of ‘KC After Hours’, Esguerra admitted that such offers have reached him since going independent.
“May mga nag-a-attempt,” he said. “Ngayon kasi na independent na ako, may mga nagpaparamdam before. Kunwari, ‘Puwede mo ba akong i-feature?’”
Esguerra explained that being outspoken on his podcast helps shield him against corruption attempts.
“Nakakatulong kasi very vocal ako sa podcast. Kasi ginagawa ko na rin ‘to no’ng ANC. […] Sa podcast openly, dini-discuss ko ‘yong media corruption,” he shared.
According to him, speaking openly about corruption is also a safeguard: “Kasi everything is recorded, e. Lumabas na ‘yan sa social media. If you hear something na mayro’n akong tinanggap in the future, i-juxtapose n’yo ‘to. Sabihin n’yo, ‘hipokrito ka, Esguerra!’ Sabi ko, that’s my protection also if and when, somehow I get tempted.”
Esguerra previously anchored ANC’s ‘After The Fact’ until its final airing in March 2022.
Following renewed discussions on media corruption, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) issued a statement on August 24 reminding colleagues about the dangers of soliciting or accepting money for favorable coverage.
“The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines reminds colleagues that soliciting and accepting money, gifts and other forms of compensation in exchange for favorable coverage threatens editorial independence,” NUJP said in a Facebook post.
They added: “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 group acknowledged that while unproven, the allegations raised against broadcast personalities Julius Babao and Korina Sanchez—after Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto’s post on “paid interviews” involving Sarah and Curlee Discaya—once again highlight the prevalence of payola 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,” NUJP noted.
They then urged media workers to revisit ethical guidelines using available resources, including the NUJP’s Ethical Guide for Filipino Journalists.
Both Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao have denied receiving any payment to feature the Disayas on their programs.
