Willie Revillame to retire in October; staff supportive of decision

WILLIE Revillame

MANILA, Philippines—After announcing his decision to retire starting October this year during the Tuesday edition of “Wowowillie,” the staff of Willie Revillame stated on Tuesday afternoon their full support for the famous millionaire-TV host.

“The staff has always been supportive of whatever decision Kuya (Revillame) will take and in this case, he needs a much-deserved rest so he can attend to his health after our TV5 contract ends, then we’re there for him,” Jay Montelibano, business unit head of Will Productions, told INQUIRER.net via SMS.

Revillame earlier Tuesday announced he will just finish his contract with TV5, which expires on October 15.

“Maybe October 12 will be the last show of ‘Wowowillie’,” he said.

Revillame said he was the one who wrote a letter to TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, asking for a vacation.  His request for a hiatus, he said, was granted immediately by the TV5 management.

He added his decision was prompted by personal reasons he can’t divulge now.

For how long he’s going to be out of the public eye, the 52-year-old controversial host said he just wanted to rest for a few months to a year.

In another SMS to the INQUIRER sent Tuesday early evening, the Kapatid Network through Peachy Guioguio of TV5 corporate communications department, sent its good riddance to Revillame.

“We respect the decision of Mr. Willie Revillame to retire upon the expiry of his contract with TV5. We wish him well in his new pursuits,” said Guioguio.