MANILA -- ABS-CBN News had no intention to cause misinformation when it published two stories about food and beverage giant Nestle's possible pullout from the Philippines last week.

ABS-CBN News' story, published on Sept. 6, on Nestle's plans in the Philippines, was based on a report from Nikkei Asian Review, a credible Japanese business news agency.

Following a clarification from Nestle on Sept. 7, and subsequent online criticism from administration supporters, ABS-CBN News re-validated the basis for Nikkei story, which was also carried as far back as Sept. 3 by the Manila Bulletin and the Manila Standard. The Philippine Star published its version on Sept. 5.

There was no misrepresentation of comments made by Ernesto Mascenon, Senior Vice-President and Head of Corporate Affairs at Nestle's Philippine unit.

In an interview with reporters, Mascenon was asked about the second tranche of tax reforms aimed at companies, to which he replied:

"That's what we're requesting them, that TRAIN 2 address the disadvantage of the local manufacturers who use local agricultural products against those who are importing finished products especially from ASEAN."

Pressed how local manufacturers should benefit from tax reform, he said: "How can we become competitive? Is there a way? Kasi otherwise, the option for us is to, we will close down our manufacturing here and just move to Indonesia or Vietnam or Malaysia and import."

Nestle issued its clarification on Sept. 7, one day after the ABS-CBN report. ABS-CBN News published the clarification promptly on Sept. 7, which said "Nestle Philippines is not planning to close any of its manufacturing facilities in the Philippines.”

To avoid confusion, ABS-CBN News also updated the Sept. 6 story, to tell readers that Nestle has clarified the statement of its own official.

ABS-CBN News reported truthfully on the issue. We report on official comments as they are made, and report on succeeding statements, even if they are official denials.