(UPDATE) Willie still mum on 2010 plans

Author: ABS-CBNNews.com
Column: Entertainment

MANILA - Six weeks after going on indefinite leave from the show, controversial TV host Willie Revillame returned to his top-rating noontime program "Wowowee" Monday to a grand "Wil-come back" party, but he remained mum on his 2010 political plans.

Many people were expecting Revillame, who is rumored to be eyeing the vice-presidential post in the 2010 elections, to announce his plans in next year's elections in his show Monday. The host, however, said it is not yet the proper time.

"Iyong announcement ko, ia-announce ko iyon sa tamang panahon, sa tamang lugar at sa tamang pag-iisip ko na. Ibig sabihin kung desidido na ako sa isip ko, sa puso ko at buong pagkatao ko, handa na ako, then ia-announce ko na iyon," he told ABS-CBN News.

He has to consider many things before deciding to run for public office, Revillame said. The host said one of these things is to know for sure if he is prepared to serve the public.

If he indeed runs, Revillame vowed that he will become a transparent and honest politician.

There were rumors that Revillame would either become the running mate of presidential contender Sen. Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr. or endorse the senator's candidacy.

The "Wowowee" host, however, maintained that he and the lawmaker are just business partners.

Revillame and Villar are investing millions of pesos for the construction of "Wil Theater Mall" in Quezon City. They are also planning to build a 25-storey condotel and a studio exclusive for "Wowowee."

"Hindi namin pinag-uusapan ang pulitika. Siya lang naman ang nagbigay sa akin ng offer na maganda. Nagustuhan ko naman," he said.

He added that for now he is setting aside politics. He said what is important is he is now back in his show.

'Wil-come back'

During Monday's "Wowowee" show, some fans, supporters and "Wowowee" staff wore red and white shirts with "We love you, Willie" and "Wil-come back" messages.

When he emerged onstage, the audience cheered and applauded as they chanted his name. Revillame went around the studio to greet his supporters who reached out to hug and kiss him or even shake his hand.

Popular cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo and her daughter, Cristalle Henares, and "Bench" owner Ben Chan were also in the audience. Revillame is the celebrity endorser of Belo Medical Group and clothing line Bench.

"Sa almost two months na wala ako, lumuluha ako. Lumuluha ako, nagdurugo ang puso ko dahil hindi ko kayo kapiling. Pero lahat ng kalungkutan na iyon napawi na dahil muli ko kayong makakasama ngayong araw na ito," he said.

He added: "Bawal na ang mainit na ulo. Kapag may nagkamali palakpakan na lang natin."

Revillame took an indefinite leave from "Wowowee" after drawing criticisms generated by his order to cut the live streaming of former president Corazon Aquino's funeral procession last August 3.

His critics slammed him for being "arrogant," but the host defended himself.

"Masyadong passion mo sa trabaho, minsan nakakalimutan mo na may nasasabi kang hindi maganda... kaya lang nag-iinit ang ulo mo kasi gusto mong maganda ang programa mo," he said.

He said he learned a lot from his experience. For one, he learned to control his temper and to be calm.

During the show, the host thanked Star Magic executive Johnny Manahan for defending him from his critics.

He also expressed his gratitude to Gabby Concepcion, Cesar Montano, Kim Atienza, John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual for temporarily taking his place during his absence. He also thanked Vice Ganda, Chocolate, Vhong Navarro and Jayson Gainza who appeared in his show.

"Sa Senado, may nagbabangayan. Sa Kongreso, maraming problema. Sa 'Wowowee' walang bangayan, [puro] tulungan. Sana ganoon din sa darating na eleksyon. Walang siraan," he said. -With a report from Gretchen Fullido, ABS-CBN News

Source: ABS-CBN News