Charles Teves
Filipino television host, comedian, and businessman Willie Revillame’s recent call to support ALLTV in setting aside politics has reignited a social media discussion about a previous interview he gave former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
In an appeal made on February 4, Revillame asked viewers to support the shows on ALLTV, a television network that was launched in September. This was after rumors circulated that some of its programs would stop airing.
On an episode of ‘Wowowin’, his variety game show, Revillame addressed the public who were rejoicing over the end of certain TV shows. The veteran host expressed, “Hindi ko lang ito kinukwento pero may mga lumalabas kasi ngayon na mga programa sa ALLTV mawawala. Eh, parang natutuwa pa kayo na mawawala ang programang nagbibigay saya at tumutulong. Sana hindi ganon ‘di ba?”
“Ako naman willing naman tumulong. Di ba, sa sobrang blessed namin. ‘Wag naman sanang ganon,” he added.
Willie Revillame made a cryptic comment about the channel’s “frequency” and implored the public to disregard political matters. He pleaded to netizens, “Set aside ninyo ‘yung pulitika. Marami pa kayong dapat malaman sa katotohanan. It’s about the frequency, kung alam niyo lang ‘yung totoo. Ayoko lang ho magsalita na pangungunahan ko sila.”
However, netizens clearly remembered when Revillame previously interviewed Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque where the host laughed after the latter made a joke about ABS-CBN’s unfortunate shutdown that laid off over 11,000 employees.
https://twitter.com/rodmagaru/status/1622153936542253057?s=20&t=cE8PQOPn1EkWR0r1QJOv4w
Sa gitna ng pandemic, 11k na tao ang nawalan ng trabaho. Mga kaibigan, kakilala, dating katrabaho. May nakasama sa work na inatake sa puso at namatay.
Sa pagtanggal sa prangkisa ng ABS, damay mga naghahanapbuhay sa paligid ng compound.
Hindi ako maaawa sa'yo, Willie. https://t.co/bUWuKOxcL5
— Noreen Capili (@noringai) February 5, 2023
The two were supposed to discuss issues related to the pandemic when Roque joked that Revillame would gain more views since ABS-CBN was no longer on free TV.
“Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, ikaw lang ang napapanood sa buong bands. Alam mo, duda ko, kaya ‘yung isa nawalan ng prangkisa, ikaw may kagagawan niyan e. Oh, aminin, aminin,” Roque joked.
The host was seen laughing before noting that ABS-CBN was the reason his career saw success.
Several celebrities also commented on Revillame’s remarks.
Ogie Diaz had a few words to say to the host.
Wag umiyak. Kung nung araw na kailangan ang luha ng pagdamay mo ay hindi rin naman naramdaman. Bagkus nakitawa ka pa. Kaya wag mamalimos ng simpatya. Kaya mo yan. Wala kang di kinaya. 💪🏻💪🏻
— ogie diaz (@ogiediaz) February 5, 2023
Filipino musician Gabriel Valenciano couldn’t remain silent on the issue.
I haven’t been as vocal for awhile but I can no longer suppress my thoughts. I will just say this.
Your power to persuade people through gaslighting your whole life has run out. What goes around will always come back around. Filipinos are waking up, you should too.
— Gabriel Valenciano (@gabvalenciano) February 5, 2023
Many disagreed with Revillame’s appeal.
https://twitter.com/VolimyaNervosa/status/1621885214753714176?s=20&t=d_Rr9tM6334yIejM586vnw
Now Willie Revillame knows how we kapamilyas felt when Abs was shut down .
— Carleem (@Carleem13) February 5, 2023
ALLTV has recently suspended several of its programs but the reason hasn’t been disclosed. Talents will continue to be compensated even with the recent situation, according to a report.
