Maria Ressa leaving ABS-CBN

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN’s news and current affairs chief Maria Ressa is leaving the television network next month, amid unconfirmed reports she will transfer to rival television network TV5.

“My contract ends on Jan. 3, 2011, and I will not be renewing. I have nearly six months of accumulated leaves so I will go on terminal leave beginning Nov. 15,” Ressa said in a statement released by ABS-CBN’s corporate communications department head Bong Osorio.

Ressa, who holds the rank of senior vice president, said North America bureau chief Ging Reyes will take over as news head. Reyes is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Oct. 18 to begin the turnover.

“It’s time for me to move on, but it’s important we transition properly and prepare our organization – and its new leader – for the challenges ahead,” she said.

Reyes has been a journalist for 20 years, the last eight of which as North America bureau chief.

ABS-CBN officials could not be contacted for comment last night.

In her letter to ABS-CBN, Ressa thanked the people she had worked with.

“I want to thank you for six amazing, incredible years where we took risks together to help define the future of journalism and our nation.”

“We decided to take a stand and say no to corruption; to embrace the growth of social media; and to join hands with citizen journalists to patrol our votes and our nation.”

“Journalism faces challenging days ahead. Value and protect your editorial independence. I wish you clarity of thought, stamina, and courage to fight for what is right and avoid the compromise of mediocrity.”

“You have taught me so much about what it means to be a Filipino. While my time with this company is ending, one of the most precious things it has given me are our friendships, which I hope will continue to grow even when I’m no longer with ABS-CBN,” Ressa told her colleagues.