Broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez has come to the defense of actress and fashion icon Heart Evangelista, whose name was dragged into online discussions amid public outrage over anomalous flood control projects and the lifestyles of so-called “nepo babies” linked to government officials and contractors.
On the September 2 episode of ‘Agenda’ on Bilyonaryo News Channel with Pinky Webb and Willard Cheng, Korina clarified that Heart’s glamorous lifestyle has long been part of her persona, even before she married Senator Chiz Escudero.
“Totoo naman ‘yun, si Heart matagal na ganoon. Fashionista talaga siya,” Korina said.
She also stressed that accusations thrown online need evidence before being taken seriously.
“Pero ngayon kasi, uso ‘yung nagsasabi ng kung anu-anong akusasyon pero walang ebidensiya,” she pointed out.
“Siguro, dito kaya Heart, in fairness to her, this guy has to prove that there is basis to even investigate Heart, di ba? Bakit kailangan niyang patunayan ‘yun, e, may SALN naman ‘yung asawa niya?” Korina added, referring to Escudero’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), a mandatory document for public officials.
Korina further noted that Heart’s public image has always been tied to fashion and luxury, saying her current lifestyle should not be conflated with the corruption scandal involving government contractors.
During the same program, Korina also addressed the recent controversy involving Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez, who faced backlash after posting journalists’ personal details on Facebook while accusing them of a “media spin” against him. Gomez has since apologized.
“He apologized. So, saludo po kami sa inyo Congressman Richard Gomez na nabigla lang daw siya,” Korina said.
“Well, that is integrity for me if you can accept that you made a mistake because ‘pag sinabi mo kailangan mapanindigan mo at higit sa lahat, mapatunayan mo,” she added.
“I think it’s very important na he owned up to it at isa siyang tunay na lalaki,” Korina concluded.
