Jessica Soho, Vicky Morales go viral for professionalism while reporting on Koko Pimentel's COVID-19 gaffe

GMA News anchors Jessica Soho and Vicky Morales have been lauded by netizens for keeping their professionalism while reporting on Senator Koko Pimentel's breach of COVID-19 protocols.

Soho was applauded for her live interview with Pimentel on "24 Oras," where she remained respectful yet assertive in asking the important questions.

Meanwhile, netizens said Morales expressed the frustration everybody was feeling even as she remained calm during her interview with Makati Medical Center medical director Dr. Bong Javier.

Napaswerte ng GMA at meron kayong Jessica Soho at Vicky Morales. We stan these queens who are not afraid of bringing issues which are very timely. ???? pic.twitter.com/ut719bxGEk

— ???????????????????????????? Rivero???? (@GandaraNgVball) March 25, 2020

You can see in Vickey Morales’ face that she is angry of what the poor senator did.

Jessica Soho was so professional earlier with her interview with the poor senator.

I STAN GMA NEWS ANCHORS!

— Elljae Marie | #MassTestingNowPH (@lordeeiam) March 25, 2020

Jessica Soho roasting Sen. Koko Pimentel in a national television.

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.

— ???? (@iltwymxs) 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 ? (@parKiMin_) March 25, 2020

Thank you, Ms. Jessica Soho for raising the topic about VIP testing on Koko Pimentel. What a brave journalist

— ???? (@imkimcabailo) March 25, 2020

Jessica Soho roasted Koko Pimentel while being so calm, fab and professional.

I love the energy!! ????? pic.twitter.com/S1ZnIaadBw

— ???????????????????? (@ronanabalos) March 25, 2020

Vicky Morales represents the frustration of every Filipinos about Koko Pimentel! Go madam!!! You even asked if Makati Med will file a legal case and with that you simply wanted to convey that Makati Med must do it!!!

— Koya Mo Win (@Kuya_Mo_14) March 25, 2020

The frustration of Vicky Morales is evident. Vicky Morales is all of us rn. Koko Pimentel use your koKOmmon sense. My gaahddd pic.twitter.com/ZNITX9Nyqv

— Ella ???? (@crapinellaaa) March 25, 2020

On Wednesday, it was reported that Pimentel breached COVID-19 protocols after he visited Makati Medical Center despite being under quarantine for suspected COVID-19 infection.

He was inside the hospital premises accompanying his pregnant wife Kathryna who is due to give birth, when he learned that he tested positive with COVID-19. According to Pimentel, he took the COVID-19 test on Friday.

"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," Soho asked Pimentel.

The senator was under fire for putting the lives of other people, including frontliners, in danger knowing he could be a carrier of the disease.

Makati Medical Center denounced Pimentel for his "irresponsible and reckless" action demoralizing their frontliners.

"Medyo nakakagalit, nakakalungkot itong nangyari sa hanay ng mga health workers sa Makati Medical Center. I can just imagine siguro umuusok 'yung mga chat group ng mga doktor sa mga sandaling ito," Morales said during her interview with Javier.

After asking for understanding for his Makati Med trip while being a COVID-19 PUI, Pimentel issued a statement apologizing to the hospital.

"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," he said. "I was simply there to be with my wife during the birth of our daughter."

Pimentel is the second senator to test positive for the virus after Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri.

As of Wednesday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country reached 707 with 45 deaths and 28 recoveries. --Jannielyn Bigtas/MGP, GMA News