Journalists Karen Davila and Anthony Taberna gave opposing opinions about The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews aired on Saturday, January 22.
The taped interview was attended by presidential candidates Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno, Senator Manny Pacquiao, and Vice President Leni Robredo.
Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., was also invited for the interview, but he declined.
In a tweet on Sunday, January 23, Davila stressed the importance of interviews for presidential candidates so that the public may know about their character.
She said, “Reading Jessica Soho’s Pres Intrvws via @inquirerdotnet. KUDOS Maam Jess!
“The questions centered on revealing the true character of the candidate. Kaya po mahalaga na mag-pa interview sa mga mamamahayag.
“Mas mahirap po magpatakbo ng Pilipinas kaysa humarap sa mamamahayag [Philippine flag].”
Reading Jessica Soho’s Pres Intrvws via @inquirerdotnet. KUDOS Maam Jess!
The questions centered on revealing the true character of the candidate. Kaya po mahalaga na mag-pa interview sa mga mamamahayag.
Mas mahirap po magpatakbo ng Pilipinas kaysa humarap sa mamamahayag 🇵🇭
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) January 22, 2022
In another tweet, Davila said every journalist has their way of interviewing candidates and this will help voters to get to know them better.
She wrote, “The presidency is not only about competence & vision but also about character. Interviews with journalists help peel the layers for voters to get to know candidates.
“Bawat mamamahayag, may kanya kanyang istilo ng pagtatanong at nakakatulong lahat ito sa pagpili kung sino iboboto.
“I am excited for the @ABSCBNNews Debates & Interviews and I wish all other networks well! Media stands together in calling our candidates into account.”
The presidency is not only about competence & vision but also about character. Interviews with journalists help peel the layers for voters to get to know candidates.
Bawat mamamahayag, may kanya kanyang istilo ng pagtatanong at nakakatulong lahat ito sa pagpili kung sino iboboto
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) January 22, 2022
I am excited for the @ABSCBNNews Debates & Interviews and I wish all other networks well! Media stands together in calling our candidates into account.
On a side note, I call her ‘Maam Jess’ because she was one of my first bosses in GMA7’s Brigada Siete pa – circa 1994-95ish!
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) January 22, 2022
Meanwhile, Taberna aired his reaction in a video uploaded by a netizen on twitter on Sunday, January 23.
Taberna implied that he understood why Marcos was absent during the interview as he will be placed in a hot seat.
“Kung ikaw ba naman si BBM, pupunta ka ba sa lugar na lalapain ka ng mga leon? Sige nga. Common sense lang yun. Lamang na lamang ka, madadagdagan ba ang 60% mo malamang maubos ka dun. Papainan ka lang dun,” Taberna said.
If he could advise Marcos, Taberna said he should focus on announcing his platforms on social media instead of attending forums.
“Kung ako ang magpapayo kay Bongbong, sabihin ko huwag ka nang umattend ng forum. Mangampanya ka na lang at sabihin mo kung ano ang plataporma de gobyerno sa dami ng social media platforms, may mainstream media,” he said.
Anyare sa taong to Nawala lang sa Abs Kung sabagay consistent sya bwahahaha pic.twitter.com/wrbtORSW9z
— Albert Blue (@bluevill) January 23, 2022
