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ABS-CBN News anchor Anthony Taberna announced Sun afternoon, Aug 30, that he has taken a leave of absence from the network because of his active ties with the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).
In an Instagram post, Taberna said that the controversies currently surrounding the religious sect may deter him from exercising impartiality as a journalist.
He also pointed out the conflict of interest between his roles as a broadcaster and a devout INC member.
Taberna said that the Kapamilya network supports his decision to take the time off until the INC crisis subsides.
“I am sad to inform you that I won’t be present for my programs, Dos por Dos and Umagang Kay Ganda due to recent developments. As an active member of the Iglesia ni Cristo, I am in a position where my credibility may be doubted when I tackle news on the group’s current issues. I have my beliefs and I have my responsibility as a journalist and they can’t go together due to conflict of interest. The management of ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs immediately approved my leave until the issue concerning the INC dies down. I thank you for understanding my difficult predicament. To those who don’t understand it, I understand you,” he wrote in Pilipino.
Prior to his announcement, Taberna also joined the INC mass action at EDSA-Shaw Boulevard on Sun, Aug 30.
Taberna addressed around 1,700 fellow members of the religious sect and emphasized that the INC faithful converged at the rally out of free will and devotion to the organization.
The news anchor also urged the crowd to maintain peace at the rally that condemns the government’s alleged interference on INC’s internal affairs.
WATCH: THE INC PROTEST THAT SHOOK UP METRO MANILA
Photo: Press release
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
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