TV5’s Budol Alert Exposes Scams in the Philippines

Scams have become a growing concern globally, impacting even the US with $10.1 billion in losses in 2022 and the Philippines with a hefty Php 1 billion stolen by scammers in the same year. In 2023, the Philippines was ranked 5th worldwide for scamming incidents. To help counter this illegal industry, TV5 is launching Budol Alert, a news and public affairs show focusing on various scams and schemes in the Philippines. Premiering on March 17, this program goes by the battlecry “Maging Alerto, Huwag Magpabudol,” rallying Filipinos to stay vigilant on various scams, including phishing, smishing, and fraudulent online shopping tactics. Spearheaded by trusted veteran broadcast journalist and News5 Head Luchi Cruz-Valdes, Budol Alert presents the comprehensive news gathering and storytelling from the young and promising breed of News5 reporters composed of Gio Robles, Shyla Francisco, Reiniel Pawid, Dave Abuel, Briane Basa, Jes Delos Santos, and Nikki De Guzman. The show also features comprehensive reports from seasoned News5 journalists Mon Gualvez, MaeAnne Los Banos, and Marianne Enriquez. Gio Robles has been with News5 since 2022 and has covered major stories like the Socorro Cult and the West Philippine Sea dispute. Shyla Francisco is an award-winning reporter who has garnered honors such [...]