Anthony Taberna goes on leave

ABS-CBN broadcaster Anthony ‘Ka Tunying’ Taberna

MANILA — ABS-CBN anchor Antony Taberna goes on leave from the network because of the ongoing controversies faced by Iglesia ni Cristo, which he is an active member.
Taberna cited his active ties with the religious group adding that the ongoing issues raised against it might hinder him from being impartial in his job as a journalist.

He added that his being a devout member of INC might create conflicts of interest with his roles as broadcaster.
“Mga kapamilya, napakalungkot po na nagpapaalam po muna ako sa programa namin na Dos por Dos at Umagang Kayganda dahil sa mga kaganapan po ngayon,” he said in a post on social media.
(I am saddened by the fact that I have to say goodbye to our program, Dos por Dos and Umagang Kayganda because of the current happenings.)
“Ako po bilang aktibong miyembro ng Iglesia ni Cristo ay nasa isang sitwasyon na hindi maaaring maging credible sa pagtalakay sa isyung may kinalaman dito. Mayroon po akong paniniwalang pangrelihiyon at mayroon din naman akong tungkulin bilang mamamahayag, bagay na hindi po maaaring pagsamahin ngayon dahil sa tinatawag na conflict of interest.”
(Being an active member of Iglesia ni Cristo, I am in a situation where I cannot be credible in discussing any issues involving it. I have my own religious beliefs and my duties as a reporter. Those two duties and interests may not be combined because of conflict of interest.

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Taberna added that the ABS-CBN team immediately approved his decision to go on leave.