ABS-CBN's full statement on Cristy's suspension; Nadia reacts

ABS-CBN suspended Cristy Fermin's contract to host "The Buzz" and her daily dzMM show "Showbiz Mismo" over the allegations she brought out in the Oct. 5 episode of the showbiz-oriented talk show against Nadia Montenegro that the former actress secretly gave birth to a baby girl two years ago. The network said Cristy's statements went beyond the "bounds of decency" as it involved "innocent children" not involved in their continuing word war. ABS-CBN arrived at the decision a day after Nadia filed before the MTRCB a complaint against Cristy, "The Buzz" and ABS-CBN over the charges. She sought an investigation on the matter that would have MTRCB chair Consoliza Laguardia summoning show producers, network executives and Cristy herself to shed light on the matter. But ABS-CBN went ahead to take action against Cristy, first through a memo signed by top executives and the suspension order which takes effect Thursday and will last until December 31. Laguardia said in a text message to the Inquirer that the board is still acting on the complaint despite the suspension. "It will still be heard by the abjudication committee of MTRCB. After all, Fermin's suspension was (the ABS-CBN) network's decision and not (an) MTRCB board decision," Laguardia said. Asked to react on the suspension, Nadia simply told the Inquirer in a text message, "It's just right muna that I keep quiet. Thanks." Nadia said that even as ABS-CBN penalized Fermin, she would still continue to file a libel case against Cristy and "The Buzz" soon. In a separate text message, Nadia said, "Yes, tuloy ang libel (case)." She said her lawyers were gathering evidence to support her case. Here's ABS-CBN's full statement on Cristy's suspension from the office of Bong Osorio, ABS-CBN Corporate Communications head: "Ms. Cristy Fermin's contracts for her engagement as host for Channel 2's The Buzz and anchorperson for DZMM's Showbiz Mismo have been suspended with immediate effect and will last until December 31, 2008. The suspension of her contracts with ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation was due to Ms. Fermin's violations of certain provisions thereof in relation to her statements during the October 5, 2008 episode of The Buzz. It was deemed that Ms. Fermin did not conduct herself with due regard to social conventions and public morals. Her statements went beyond the bounds of decency as they  involved innocent children who are not party to  their personal dispute. Ms. Fermin's statements violated the highest standards of professionalism and journalistic integrity. The act committed by Ms. Fermin brought her and The Buzz to public disrepute, jeopardizing the name and goodwill of both the show and the network."