Willie Revillame is once again under scrutiny when news broke out that he has a warrant arrest from the court for his child abuse case which was filed last 2011.
Being known on Philippine TV as a funny man with a big heart, Willie Revillame resurfaced on noontime weekly Kapuso game show called “Wowowin” much to the delight of his fans and followers.
Willie Revillame’s lawyer Atty. Leonard S. de Vera clarifies the circulating story that Willie is reluctant to follow the court’s decision for his arrest as the result of his alleged child abuse case.
The child abuse case of Willie Revillame revolved around a six year old boy who once appeared on his defunct show “Willing Willie” on TV5 network wherein critics of the TV host/comedian immediately called the incident as a clear case of child abuse. Willie on his side said that he is not shunning the child abuse case filed against him.
According to Atty. de Vera, “Upon the finding of probable cause by the regional trial court of Quezon City Branch 86, Mr. Revillame sought and was immediately granted bail in the amount of P80,000.00 in September 4, 2013 or more than two years ago. Accordingly, it is unnecessary for the trial court to issue a warrant of arrest against Mr. Revillame. As part of Mr. Revillame’s right to due process, he appealed the trial court’s finding of probable cause against him before the Court of Appeals by way of Petition for Certiorari.”
Willie Revillame’s lawyer further explains that “However, the resolution of this appeal remained pending for 2 years, until the Court of Appeals ruled last September 7, 2015.”
According to Willie’s legal counsel, the inaccurate reports on social media are merely propagated as smear campaign due to the ever growing popularity of the current afternoon weekend TV program of Willie Revillame on GMA Network. Atty. de Vera also stated that because of Wowowin’s success some people are out to target Willie and bring his reputation down.
Atty. de Vera in behalf of Willie Revillame, added “The inaccurate reports spreading in social and mass media are regrettable and are being misinterpreted by certain quarters on account of Mr. Revillame’s success in his new show Wowowin now being aired in GMA-7.”
“It is evident that these reports are intended merely to taint and besmirch Mr. Revillame and his new show in the Kapuso network. Mr. Revillame has the Constitutional right to be presumed innocent while his case is being heard by the court.”
Willie’s attorney also clarifies via this statement “We categorically assert that there is no evidence that Mr. Revillame is guilty of the crime charged against him.”
It was on March 12, 2011 at the Willing Willie on TV 5 show that the 6-year old boy appeared on stage showing off his macho dancing skills. TV host Willie requested the young boy to repeat the sexy moves he just did on stage. As a prize for being cooperative Willie Revillame rewarded the boy with cash amounting to Php 10,000.
This incident triggered sympathy from concerned citizens and viewers which led to the filing of a formal complaint to DSWD of Willie Revillame child abuse case. Immediate action was taken and the show was suspended for about two weeks following this incident.