Veteran broadcast journalist Julius Babao has recently found himself at the center of a heated controversy that could alter his long-standing reputation in the Philippine media industry. Netizens and avid viewers of Frontline Pilipinas on TV5 have been buzzing with questions: Was Julius Babao really removed from his anchor role because of his alleged link to the Deskaya family scandal? Let’s take a closer look at what really happened.
📺 Sudden Changes on Frontline Pilipinas
For years, Julius Babao has been one of the most recognizable faces in Philippine broadcast journalism. After transferring from ABS-CBN to TV5, many expected him to continue his stellar career as a trusted anchor.
However, sharp-eyed viewers recently noticed something unusual: Julius Babao was suddenly missing from Frontline Pilipinas. His spot was temporarily filled by respected journalist Ed Lingao, and just a few days later, another anchor, Lord De Vera, stepped in.
This abrupt anchor reshuffle immediately fueled speculation online. Social media users asked whether Julius had been terminated, suspended, or quietly pulled out because of the swirling controversy tied to the Deskaya family.
💰 The ₱10M Deskaya Interview Scandal
The storm began when Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, along with veteran journalist Korina Sanchez, dropped explosive allegations against the Deskaya family, who are already under fire for their alleged involvement in a questionable flood control project.
According to Mayor Sotto, the Deskaya couple allegedly paid millions of pesos in exchange for favorable interviews that painted them in a good light. This practice—commonly referred to as “pay-for-play journalism”—has been criticized for years as a serious breach of journalistic ethics.
Julius Babao’s name quickly became linked to this scandal, with online critics claiming he accepted ₱10 million to interview the Deskaya couple. While there has been no solid evidence presented, the accusations spread rapidly across social media, damaging his credibility.
📰 TV5’s Move: Leave of Absence or Silent Termination?
Insiders from TV5 stress that Julius Babao has not been fired, but is currently on a temporary leave of absence. This move, they explained, is a common practice in media organizations when a journalist becomes entangled in a controversy.
The purpose of such a leave is to protect the integrity of the news organization while allowing management to conduct an internal investigation. In other words, Julius’s absence does not mean he is guilty—it simply gives TV5 the space to review the issue thoroughly without adding fuel to the fire.
⚖️ Public Reaction: Anger, Frustration, and Division
The controversy has deeply divided the public. On one hand, many netizens express frustration and disappointment, accusing Julius and Korina Sanchez of being “paid media personalities” who allow money to influence their reporting. Critics argue that such practices destroy trust in journalism and mislead the public.
On the other hand, Julius Babao still has a large base of loyal supporters who believe in his credibility. These supporters argue that the accusations are politically motivated and part of a smear campaign. They urge the public not to judge Julius until clear and verified evidence is presented.
🎙️ Julius Babao Breaks His Silence
In an exclusive interview on August 21, Julius Babao addressed the controversy head-on. He categorically denied the accusations that he accepted ₱10M from the Deskaya family in exchange for an interview.
“These allegations are completely baseless,” Julius stated firmly. He stressed that his work has always been focused on inspiring Filipinos and highlighting real stories of perseverance, struggle, and success.
Despite his firm denial, the issue continues to haunt him, with online speculation showing no signs of slowing down.
📌 Why This Matters for Journalism
This scandal raises bigger questions about the state of journalism in the Philippines. Media organizations are supposed to serve as watchdogs of truth, holding powerful figures accountable. But when journalists themselves are accused of corruption, the credibility of the entire industry is shaken.
The Deskaya case also highlights the dangerous overlap between politics, money, and media influence. If proven true, the scandal would reinforce long-standing concerns that wealthy families and political figures can manipulate public opinion through paid coverage.
👀 What Happens Next?
For now, Julius Babao remains off the air, and TV5 management has not issued a final decision on whether he will return. Several key questions remain unanswered:
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Will the investigation clear Julius Babao’s name?
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Will he make a comeback on Frontline Pilipinas?
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How will this controversy affect the public’s trust in other high-profile journalists?
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Will more names in the media industry be dragged into the Deskaya scandal?
🔎 The Bigger Picture
Whether Julius is guilty or innocent, this case is a reminder of how fragile a journalist’s reputation can be. One allegation—true or false—can immediately impact careers, networks, and most importantly, the public’s trust in news reporting.
The Deskaya scandal, linked to alleged corruption in flood control projects, isn’t just about one journalist. It’s about accountability in governance, ethics in media, and the fight against corruption.
🗣️ Final Thoughts
As of today, Julius Babao continues to deny all accusations, standing firm that his journalism remains fair and ethical. Meanwhile, the public is left waiting for the results of TV5’s internal review.
For his supporters, this could simply be a bump in the road for one of the country’s most respected journalists. For his critics, however, it’s a wake-up call about the dangers of compromised reporting.
One thing is certain: this story is far from over.
Stay tuned for more updates—and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below. Should Julius Babao return to TV5? Or has the controversy already dealt a permanent blow to his career?