The party happened last year, but this controversy erupted just recently.
“GMA News anchor Vicky Morales clarified an online report about her attending the same party as Jeane Napoles, the daughter of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles, in October 2014,” reports GMA News Online.
In a statement released by Morales’ network, she stated: “I went to Kidzville at SM Aura in October last year to accompany my three children to the 3rd birthday party of our neighbor, Ellie Lim. My daughter and Ellie go to the same playground in our condominium, hence they were invited. As a hands-on mom, it has always been my practice to drop off my kids at birthday parties and fetch them afterwards. I know Anna, the mother of Ellie, because we live in the same building. However I do not know Ms. Jeane Napoles, nor have I spoken with her at any time.”
The report pointed out that “Ellie is the youngest daughter of Reynald ‘Jojo’ Lim, the brother of the elder Napoles.”
Vicky Morales in a printed shirt and jeans, between the guy in red and the lady in green
Morales explained, “As the children’s party was about to end, a crowd gathered in front of the function room for a group photo with the children who had attended. As I waited for my kids, the group requested me to join them as well, to which I obliged, even if I did not know most of the people in the photo. It is unfortunate that some people have imputed malice and taken the photo out of context.”
Morales further clarified that “this episode won’t affect her performance in providing public service as a member of GMA News and Public Affairs.”
“In all my 25 years of broadcasting, I have always valued integrity, hard work, fairness, and objectivity — and I shall continue to do so, consistent with GMA News’ commitment to uphold the highest ethical standards,” said Morales.
Photo: Press release (Morales)
