Team DailyPedia
According to a report by the tabloid Bandera, religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has apparently ordered a boycott of broadcast network ABS-CBN. This is allegedly in retaliation for what they called “biased” reporting during the coverage of Lowell Menorca’s testimony on the cases he filed against the INC as per a report on KickerDaily.
The boycott came to light via the Facebook post of a certain Israel Nono Ponce last January 26. In the post, Ponce said that the “Templo Central” had ordered INC members to stop watching any ABS-CBN shows because of news reports that damaged the image of the church.
Ponce, who admitted he was a fan of the series Ang Probinsyano, said that a true INC member would deny himself (referring to the pleasure of watching a TV program) and put the orders of the church leaders first and foremost.
His post was accompanied by a photo of the ABS-CBN logo with the caption, “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.”
The authenticity of the boycott was supported by Lennie Lazaro of The Philippine Pride who asked her sister, a deaconess of in San Pablo City, about the issue. Her sister confirmed the boycott, adding that “members who will be caught watching ABS-CBN will suffer a disciplinary action.”
However, INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala has denied that there is any such directive from the group. Zabala did state that he understands the sentiments of INC members who are venting their anger against ABS-CBN.
Meanwhile, bashers continue to post on social media calling for the boycott of ABS-CBN, using the hashtag #ABSCBNNomore. Some have even dragged Pia Wurtzbach’s name into the issue, saying that Miss Universe now has a bloated ego after being welcomed by the kapamilya network.
Loyal ABS-CBN viewers, on the other hand, have decided to show their support by using the hashtag #ABSCBNMorePower.
This is not the first time that INC has supposedly aired its displeasure with ABS-CBN. Previously, there have been reports that Kapamilya star Kathryn Bernardo was allegedly ejected from the INC congregation for supporting Mar Roxas’s presidential bid. This report has yet to be confirmed or denied by either party.
