Scams are a growing concern globally, with the US reporting $10.1 billion in losses in 2022 and the Philippines facing Php 1 billion in theft by scammers the same year. In 2023, the Philippines ranked 5th worldwide for scam incidents.
To counter this, TV5 launches “Budol Alert,” a news and public affairs show focusing on scams in the Philippines. Premiering on March 17, the program urges Filipinos to stay vigilant against various scams, including phishing and fraudulent online shopping.
Led by veteran journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdes, “Budol Alert” features News5 reporters Gio Robles, Shyla Francisco, Reiniel Pawid, Dave Abuel, Briane Basa, Jes Delos Santos, and Nikki De Guzman. The show includes reports from Mon Gualvez, MaeAnne Los Banos, and Marianne Enriquez.
Gio Robles has covered major stories since joining News5 in 2022. Shyla Francisco received the 2023 Broadcast Journalist of the Year (Agriculture) award. Reiniel Pawid, a reporter for seven years, won the 2022 Gandingan Award.
Dave Abuel brings 12 years of experience as a news producer and reporter. Briane Basa hosts digital explainers on Covid-19 and global affairs. Jes Delos Santos and Nikki De Guzman are news anchors for “Frontline Pilipinas Weekend” and “Gud Morning Kapatid.”
Mon Gualvez, a news veteran with 12 years of experience, was awarded the 2023 Gawad Pilipino Awards for Outstanding TV Reporter. MaeAnne Los Banos has 15 years of experience and also secured the 2019 Edward Murrow Fellowship for Journalists USA. Lastly, Marianne Enriquez received the 2014 Gawad Tanglaw Award for Best Public Affairs Program for the show Reaksyon.
“With our new breed and award-winning pool of correspondents presenting eye-opening stories in each episode of Budol Alert, we help empower Filipinos with the right knowledge so that they are well-informed and protected from different kinds of frauds and scams, whether physical or online. This is our commitment, and we vow to dig deeper and make Filipinos smarter than these scammers,” Cruz-Valdes shared.
“Budol Alert” airs on TV5 every Sunday, 4:30 p.m. starting March 17.
