MANILA, Philippines - Broadcaster Anthony Taberna filed a leave of absence over the weekend following the issues surrounding Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), where he is a member.
Taberna currently co-hosts ABS-CBN's "Umagang Kay Ganda" and radio dzMM's "Dos por Dos."
"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," Taberna said in his Instagram post on Monday.
Taberna said that ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs approved his leave of absence until the issue on the INC is over.
"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," the broadcaster added.
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Integrated News announced on Monday that they respect Taberna's personal decision on the matter.
"We respect Anthony Taberna's personal decision to take a leave of absence from his duties as a TV anchor/reporter and radio commentator to avoid any conflict of interest in the coverage of issues surrounding the Iglesia Ni Cristo, of which he is a member," ABS-CBN Integrated News head Ging Reyes said in a statement.
The uncle of Taberna, expelled INC minister Isaias Samson Jr., earlier filed an illegal detention complaint against the religious sect's Sanggunian.
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