'24 Oras,' Jessica Soho, and Vicky Morales praised by netizens in handling Koko Pimentel interview
The 24 Oras anchors Jessica Soho and Vicky Morales were praised by netizens for handling the issue surrounding Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III with grace during their live broadcast yesterday, March 25.
It was reported yesterday that Senator Pimentel did not abide by the quarantine protocols set by Makati Medical Center after it was announced that he was tested positive for coronavirus.
As he was positive, he accordingly accompanied his pregnant wife to Makati Medical Center (MMC). He was unaware at the time that he was positive, but based on health protocols, if one person shows symptoms of the viral disease, he or she must go under self-quarantine for 14 consecutive days -- regardless of one's situation or position as the virus attacks anyone and is highly contagious.
Thus, MMC Medical Director, Dr. Saturnino Javier, called out Senator Pimentel's actions as “irresponsible and reckless” which added to the burden of the medical institution as they try to cope with the challenges of the virus.
Live interview
During the live telecast, Jessica Soho was tasked to interview Senator Pimentel to which she directly asked the following questions:
“Mabigat po ang statement ng Makati Medical Center. You were 'reckless' daw at nabawasan pa tuloy 'yung kanilang mga tauhan. Naka-home quarantine pa po kayo, e, bakit pa ho kayo pumasok sa ospital? Kaya tuloy, e, nagkaroon pa ng problema sa kanilang ospital.”
“Okay, so, you're qualifying na home quarantine 'yun. Hindi po ba kayo nag-err on the side of caution, ika nga? I think 'yun nga ho 'yung hinahanap po sa inyo e. You knew there was a danger that you were exposed, tapos pumunta pa ho kayo sa ospital.”
“Paano po kaya 'yan ngayon? Sa dinami-dami ng mga nakasalamuha ninyo, is it even possible to trace kung paano kayo nahawa? And likewise, kailangan rin po kasing i-contact trace 'yung mga nakasama ninyo para ma-check rin po kung nakahawa kayo.”
“Senator, of course, I have to say we're sorry you tested positive pero kailangan ko rin tanungin ito kasi issue ito the past days. Bakit parang may palakasan daw diyan sa testing na 'yan? At 'yung mga pulitiko natin, nakapagpa-test kahit wala namang symptoms gayung 'yung mga PUI na may malalang symptoms, lalo na po 'yung ating medical frontliners, ni hindi mabigyan ng pagkakataon para makapag-test at mahaba po 'yung pila. Paano ho ba nangyari ito?”
Similarly, Vicky Morales was praised for not hiding her frustration with the senator while interviewing Dr. Bong Javier, the medical director of Makati Medical Center.
She expressed, “Doc, medyo nakakagalit, nakakalungkot itong nangyari sa hanay ng mga health worker sa Makati Medical Center. I can just imagine siguro umuusok 'yung mga chat group ng mga doktor sa mga sandaling ito.”
Vicky did not hide her disappointment because her father, Dr. Dante Morales, is a cardiologist.
Netizens reactions
As the telecast went on air, the topics “24 Oras,” “Jessica Soho,” and “Vicky Morales” trended on Philippine Twitter.
Netizens commended the two female anchors for their wit and grace while handling the much-talked-about issue:
Vicky Morales represents the frustration of every Filipinos about Koko Pimentel right now. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PuithZa9bT
-- Ron⚡️ (@ronnelmisagal) March 25, 2020
No wonder why Jessica Soho, Atom Araullo and Vicky Morales we're now the anchors incharge for 24 Oras in this kind of situation, the power trio indeed.
-- Akim ⁷ (@parKiMin_) March 25, 2020
Jessica Soho and Vicky Morales are really transparent news anchors.
-- Shae (@shaecita) March 25, 2020
I love how calmly Jessica Soho roasted Koko Pimentel, yup, she's that bitch. That kind of bitch who'll kill you with her wit.
Jessica Soho roasting Sen. Koko Pimentel in a national television.
-- 🌙 (@iltwymxs) March 25, 2020
Vicky Morales representing the frustration of every Filipinos to Pimentel.
The calmness and professionalism of this news anchors.
Plus Angel Locsin is a mood. She's now calling the attention of Kat Arambulo.
Mom, when I grow up I wanna be Jessica Soho and Vicky Morales, bitches that will roast and slap government officials with their wit and etiquette.
-- Jaja myeon #NoToVIPTesting ✨ (@jajaxcastillo) March 25, 2020
Ms. VICKY MORALES of @24OrasGMA is also trending tonight as her frustration was evident. She and Ms. Jessica Soho represent today's breed of articulate journalists: CALM, CREDIBLE and clearly INQUISITIVE.
-- Rommel Villegas (@for__keeps) March 25, 2020
Who wouldn't STAN these GMA News anchors? https://t.co/sFnbsKHtvJ
The voice of the voiceless, Jessica Soho and Vicky Morales. pic.twitter.com/O83Sq0TeuB
-- dx (@1DexterAf) March 25, 2020
As of this writing, Senator Pimentel has already apologized to the Makati Medical Center over the incident.
He said in a statement, “I apologize to MMC for being in their hospital [on] the evening of March 24, 2020, which they deemed to be a breach of their safety or containment protocols.
“I never intended to breach any protocol but I realize now that my presence in MMC unnecessarily caused additional anguish and concern to the courageous frontline health workers we all depend on. I was simply there to be with my wife during the birth of our daughter.”
More updates on Coronavirus:
Senator Migz Zubiri gives update on health after COVID-19 diagnosis
Sandy Andolong on Christopher de Leon: “'Di na necessary daw to stay sa hospital dahil malakas siya”
