- ABS-CBN news personality Anthony Taberna issued a public apology after he drew flak for his comment on a news report about a rape victim.
- The 43-year old “Umagang Kay Ganda” host assured that he will more careful from now on.
In an episode of Kapamilya morning show “Umagang Kay Ganda,” news personality Anthony Taberna quickly issued a public apology after his controversial victim-blaming statement.
The 43-year old news anchor explained that he has no intention to offend anyone with his comment.
On Monday, February 19, a report on “Umagang Kay Ganda” aired detailing that a 19-year-old girl met up with one of the men she was casually chatting with in Caloocan City. The report said that she was raped by 3 men, while another watched as it happened. The report also said that 4 of the suspects were captured.
“Pasensiya na doon sa biktima, yun dapat mabigyan ng katarungan—pero ito, para sa future na pangyayari. Kapag ikaw ay babae, huwag kang papasok sa lungga ng mga tulisan,” he carelessly commented.
However, Anthony proved that he is a man of dignity when he admitted his mistake on national TV.
“Bilang isang ama po, lalo po’t parehong babae ang aking mga anak, e, batid ko na masama ang ating mundo at nandiyan lang po ang mga kriminal at mga utak-kriminal. Naghihintay lang po ng kanilang mabibiktima,” he started his public apology.
Anthony clarified said that prior to the report, he always said that he will never side with criminals.
According to him, he never meant to make it that it was the victim’s fault.
“Ang paninindigan ko pong ito ay batid ng mga araw-araw na sumusubaybay sa UKG. Subalit alam ko rin na may mga hindi nagustuhan ang aking komento at ang aking paalaala, ipinalagay na paninisi sa biktima. Hindi po yun ang aking intensiyon,” he cleared.
At the end of his speech, Anthony said he is not blaming the victim for what happened and that justice should be served. He then said sorry to those he offended.
“Humihingi po ako ng paumanhin sa mga nasaktan sa aking komento at mas magiging maingat po ako sa susunod na pagkakataon,” he ended.
Acknowledging one’s mistake is a brave act that a real man can only do. Good job, Anthony!
