Julius Babao asserts his transfer from ABS-CBN to TV5 is ‘not about money’

Image: Instagram/@juliusbabao

Julius Babao has clarified the reason why he decided to transfer from ABS-CBN to TV5, dismissing the idea that he did so because of the talent fee offer.

Babao talked about how he considered his growth for transferring networks, in response to a question asking if money was his reason for doing so. This he shared in a virtual media conference of TV5 news program “Frontline Pilipinas,” as seen on News5’s YouTube channel yesterday, Feb. 2.

“Hindi siya [money] factor at all. It’s really about ‘yung growth ko as a news anchor. ‘Yun ‘yung talagang naging basis ko ng pagtransfer dito sa TV5 and doon sa pakikipag-usap ko kay Ma’am Luchi, marami akong nakitang opportunities na pwede kong magawa once na nandito na ko,” he said, referring to Luchi Cruz-Valdes, head of TV5 News and Information. “It’s not about money, it’s not about an issue of money. It’s really about ‘yung growth ko as a news personality.”

(Money was not a factor at all. It’s really about my growth as a news anchor. That’s really my basis for transferring here to TV5 and when I talked to Ma’am Luchi, I saw many opportunities of what I can do once I’m here [in the network]. It’s not about money, it’s not about an issue of money. It’s really about my growth as a news personality.)

The veteran journalist also spoke about how he felt “stagnant” in his career and how it was hard for him to leave his home network for 28 years.

“It was not easy. Dumating kasi sa point ng buhay ko, ng career ko na parang meron akong hinahanap na bagay na parang hindi ko magawa, parang may kulang. So after mawalan ng franchise ang ABS-CBN, I stayed on with the network for two years and talagang naging bahagi ako ng kanilang programs lalo na sa Teleradyo,” he stated. “But I feel na it’s about time na mag-move na ako sa aking career.”

(It was not easy. It came to a point in my career where I’m looking for things that I cannot do, I feel like something’s lacking. So after ABS-CBN lost its franchise, I stayed on with the network for two years and became part of their news programs like Teleradyo. But I felt that it’s about time that I move on in my career.)

Aside from his network transfer, Babao revealed that he declined offers to be in politics, adding that he sees himself more as a journalist than a politician. Though he’s not considering running for public office now, he said that he’s not shutting his doors on it for good.

“Hindi ko feel talaga na pasukin ang politika. Although it has crossed my mind, I must admit, hindi ko sineryoso. Feeling ko kasi once na pumasok ka sa politika, medyo maaapektuhan na ang pagiging mong journalist and ang tingin ko talaga sa sarili ko is a journalist more than a politician,” he explained.

(I do not feel like entering politics, really. Although it has crossed my mind, I must admit, I did not take it seriously. I feel like once I enter politics, it would affect me as a journalist and I see myself as a journalist more than a politician.)

“Magpapaka-impokrito naman ako kung sasabihin kong sinasara ko ‘yung pinto ko forever. Hindi naman siguro but if ever that time comes, which I don’t see right now, is dapat hindi na ako connected sa kahit anong trabaho na may kinalaman sa journalism,” he added.

(I would be a hypocrite if I say that I’m closing my doors on it forever. Maybe not really, but if ever that time comes, which I don’t see right now, I should not be connected anymore to any work related to journalism.)

Babao’s departure from ABS-CBN was earlier confirmed when his fellow broadcaster Karen Davila bid him farewell in December last year. Babao replaced newscaster Raffy Tulfo in “Frontline Pilipinas,” with Tulfo running for senator this year. JB

RELATED STORIES:

Julius Babao leaves home network ABS-CBN after 28 years

Karen Davila ‘nostalgic’ on Julius Babao’s final week with ABS-CBN