Willie on leave 'indefinitely'

abs-cbnnews.com

MANILA – Willie Revillame is on leave “indefinitely” in the wake of the controversy generated by his order to cut the simultaneous live broadcast of the procession of President Corazon Aquino's remains from his noontime show last August 3.

“Yes, naka-leave [siya]. From his (Revillame) own text [message] to me, indefinitely," Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN's corporate communications, told abs-cbnNEWS.com in a phone interview.

In an interview with the entertainment website, Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), Johnny Manahan, a Star Magic executive, said Revillame "has been asked to go on leave" beginning Monday, August 10.

Revillame, YES! magazine's most powerful entertainer, has been conspicuously absent from his show since Saturday. His female co-hosts, Mariel Rodriguez, Pokwang, Valerie Concepcion and RR Enriquez, have taken over “Wowowee” in his absence.

"He feels isolated and beleaguered... I don't know when he will be back. Maybe, he will soldier on and do the two-week leave, or again, he may be back next week. Meanwhile, he has a real time to rest, be alone, and contemplate the future," Manahan told PEP.

Manahan defended Revillame from critics who have lashed at the host for being "arrogant." Contrary to criticisms, the Star Magic executive said the “Wowowee” host is "simple, compassionate and a pushover."

Manahan also pointed out that the "Wowowee" host would never disrespect the late former president and her family. Manahan admitted though that Revillame did not carefully choose his words when he ordered a stop to the live broadcast.

The live broadcast showed the transfer of Mrs. Aquino's body to Manila Cathedral from La Salle Green Hills on August 3, prompting an irked Revillame to have it cut.

Revillame explained that it was inappropriate to broadcast the funeral procession while they were having fun inside the studio.

Revillame's action last Monday drew instant criticism from various quarters, particularly in various online forums.

On August 4, Revillame publicly apologized, but said he was standing by his decision to have the simultaneous broadcast removed on air. He also disclosed that he had asked ABS-CBN entertainment production head Linggit Tan to remove it, and that he only blew his top when he saw the broadcast again on the screen.

He also said that he never meant to offend people. He said his only intention was to give respect and make the occasion a solemn one.

Osorio, meanwhile, said Revillame has already “apologized and the Aquino family has accepted it.”

Face value

Cory's son, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, on Monday said he was willing to accept Revillame’s explanation.

“I take what he said at face value, na wala siyang insultong gustong iparating sa aming pamilya,” he said.

He added: “Pero I understand he talked to our eldest sister, Ballsy, yesterday. At gusto ko lang tingnan, siguro nga naman hindi appropriate na may solemn occasion na parang kino-cover [tapos], on the other hand, meron kang show devoted to eliciting laugher and fun,"

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board is eyeing possible sanctions against Revillame as it urged the Kapisanan ng Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) to immediately resolve the issue.

In a letter, Diana Gozum, chairwoman of KBP standards authority, already asked the ABS-CBN management to answer the complaint of MTRCB against Revillame within five days. -- With a report from Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News