Jessica Soho among PeopleAsia’s People of the Year 2026 awardees

Jessica Soho has been named as one of the awardees of PeopleAsia Magazine’s People of the Year 2026.

According to Athena Imperial’s report on “Balitanghali," Wednesday, the award-winning Kapuso broadcast journalist was among honorees who were recognized for leading in their respective fields and championing their advocacies.

Soho was recognized for her excellence in journalism, spanning more than 40 years of reporting and in-depth investigations on social issues.

“Salamat but it's also humbling kasi this adds more pressure sa trabaho to keep doing the best that you can. Mahirap na nga as it is tapos with all of this recognition parang nadadagdagan din 'yung responsibility ko,” said Soho. 

According to the Kapuso journalist, she considers this recognition a “very special award.”

“But I'm happy to receive it. It's a very special award. Thank you to PeopleAsia para sa special na recognition na ito,” she added.

Soho also said the public can continue to expect her steadfast commitment to delivering truthful service through responsible journalism.

“Marami pa tayong dapat ibunyag siguro at nag-aantay pa rin ang taong-bayan ng mga sagot sa napakaraming mga tanong nila. At kailangan din ma-address 'yung galit ng bayan dito sa mga nangyayari kasi humihirap ang buhay pero parang dumadami rin 'yung mga kurakot.”

Soho likewise shared advice on the importance of ensuring accuracy and verification when reporting information across digital platforms.

“Ang importante pa rin, ang laban pa rin sa content e. Pagalingan pa rin ng content and sa pag-produce ng content, diyan naman pumapasok 'yung values natin as journalists. 'Yung mga itinuro sa atin sa eskwela at kahit sa newsroom, kailangan panghawakan natin 'yun,” she said.

A total of 11 individuals were honored with the People of the Year award. 

Aside from Soho, other awardees include Catholic priest and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Fr.  Flavie Villanueva, Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran, I Want to Share Foundation Founder Sheila Romero, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, celebrity doctor Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., singer Martin Nievera, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Aliño, DICT Undersecretary David Almirol, CEO of DMark Beauty and DermAsia Nikki Tang, and PAWS Executive Director Atty. Anna Cabrera. 

San Miguel Corporation Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang also received the Lifetime Achievement award, while PeopleAsia founding editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez received the Special Award of Achievement. 

With a career spanning over 40 years, Soho currently hosts the GMA Public Affairs magazine show “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.” She was previously named as one of the six inaugural inductees to the Rolling Stone Philippines Hall of Fame in 2025.

Soho was also included in Tatler Asia's 2025 Most Influential Filipinos, alongside GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes and fellow Kapuso broadcast journalist Kara David. —Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News