(Eagle News) — Broadcaster and television anchor Anthony Taberna has filed a leave of absence from ABS-CBN citing “conflict of interest” as reason.
Taberna, in an Instagram post, said: “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,” he said.
“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,” Taberna added.
Taberna said ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs immediately approved his leave of absence. His leave will be considered effective until the ongoing issue involving the Iglesia Ni Cristo has died down.
Taberna and his wife, Rossel, were among the guests who showed up on Sunday, Aug. 30, Day 4 of the INC’s “peaceful assembly” at the EDSA-Shaw Boulevard intersection. The INC has denounced the attempt of the Department of Justice, particularly Justice Secretary Leila De Lima’s special interest in consolidating criminal complaints against the INC’s top ministers.
On Friday, Aug. 28, Taberna’s newly-opened coffee shop along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City had been attacked by two gunman who fired shots at the establishment.
