The newsroom has been buzzing ever since veteran broadcaster Julius Babao quietly disappeared from TV5’s Frontline Pilipinas this week. His chair beside Cheryl Cosim didn’t stay empty though—first, Ed Lingao filled in, and then Lourd de Veyra. But the bigger question is: why is Julius suddenly out?
Officially, insiders are saying he’s just “on leave.” But off the record, whispers in the hallways point to something juicier: Julius’s name getting dragged into the now-explosive controversy involving contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya—the same couple accused of pocketing millions from shady flood control projects.
The connection? A sit-down interview Julius did with the Discasayas on his Unplugged YouTube channel back in 2024. At the time, it was just another feature. But fast forward a year later, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto publicly called out both Julius and Korina Sanchez for allegedly giving the scandal-ridden couple a glossy platform. Suddenly, what looked like a harmless vlog is now being painted as something else entirely—some netizens even accuse Julius of pocketing P10 million for that interview.
Julius has already denied it, telling Cabinet Files last week that no such deal happened. “Walang katotohanang may 10 million na involved,” he insisted, explaining that his vlog was simply meant to inspire. But online, the court of public opinion isn’t buying it. His comment sections are now flooded with brutal remarks, questioning his integrity.
And then came the Instagram post. On August 25, Julius dropped a cryptic quote from American journalist Walter Winchell about “real friends” revealing themselves in tough times. He added his own caption: “Now I know who my true friends are. Thank you for your love and understanding. God bless you all.”
It doesn’t take a genius to read between the lines—someone from his circle might have turned their back on him, or worse, sold him out.
For now, TV5 remains mum about when (or if) Julius will return to Frontline Pilipinas. In the meantime, the public is left guessing: is this just a temporary leave to let the storm pass, or the beginning of the end for one of the country’s most recognizable news anchors?
One thing’s for sure—Julius Babao is used to reporting on scandals, but this time, he is the scandal.