On Thursday, December 23, rumors surfaced that seasoned broadcast journalist Julius Babao is bidding adieu to ABS-CBN, his home for nearly three decades.
When ABS-CBN lost its franchise in 2020, speculations on Babao have applied in TV5.
However, his transfer got on hold when he took over Ted Failon as the TV Patrol anchor. The latter left to join TV5.
With the decision of Henry Omaga Diaz to replace Failon, Babao had to pursue his negotiations with the Kapatid network.
Also, sources mentioned that Babao sought permission from ABS-CBN bosses on his decision to switch networks in January 2022.
Such is a surprise since Babao was one of the most vocal defenders of the Kapamilya network during its franchise hearings.
Babao via Twitter clapped back at ABS-CBN critics by pointing the difference between journalists and PR practitioners.
Gusto ko lang linawin sa mga kabataan na ang mga journalist ay hindi PR practioners. Trabaho naming maging patas sa pagbabalita pero hindi namin obligasyong magpaligaya ng taong ibinabalita namin.
— julius babao (@juLiusbabao) July 6, 2020
As of this writing, no official statement has been issued from both ABS-CBN and Babao just yet.
Babao’s colleague Logan sent his farewell message to male news anchor.
“Goodluck Papu Julius Babao,” Kapamilya journalist Marc Logan has written on his official facebook page.
If there is truth to speculations, Babao might be joining Failon and DJ Chacha in TV5.