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Former Wowowee host Willie Revillame wants to revoke his contract with ABS-CBN television network because of the "treatment" he supposedly received since he went on an indefinite leave from Wowowee in May, reports Manila Bulletin. "I do this because I honestly believe that the company has not dealt with me fairly. The company acted in bad faith and in clear violation of our contract," Revillame said in a letter addressed to ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio Lopez III dated August 9 that was released to the media, according to ABS-CBNNews.com.
Revillame objected to the network’s move to cancel his supposed return to Wowowee on July 31, offering him instead a pre-recorded one-hour weekly show and a possible show at the network’s sister company Studio 23. ABS-CBNNews.com reports that he said, "I was shocked at the repudiation of the agreement for my return to Wowowee on July 31... I am aware of the implications of my decision [to rescind my contract] but I have to do it. I cannot just sit idly by and watch the death of a show that has brought joy and hope in so many ways to our less fortunate countrymen."
ABS-CBN had denied reports of Revillame returning to Wowowee on July 31 and Revillame was tight-lipped about it, according to ABS-CBNNews.com. Days before July 31, ABS-CBN announced that Pilipinas, Win na Win featuring hosts Kris Aquino, Robin Padilla, Mariel Rodriguez, Pokwang, and Valerie Concepcion would replace Wowowee.
Inquirer.net reports that Revillame said, "If I made a mistake, I think it is loving Wowowee too much and making it my life. Thus, when it was cancelled, it was as if my life was consumed as well. I see no reason [to] continue my contract with ABS-CBN."
In his letter, Revillame also cited suspension without pay and the network’s alleged sabotage of his image "by airing destructive pieces against [him], instead of promoting [him] as a talent," reports Manila Bulletin.
ABS-CBN Corporate Communications Head Bong Osorio said in a statement reported by ABS-CBNNews.com that the network would hold Revillame to his contract until it expires in September 2011. "He violated the behavioral provisions of his contract when he threatened the ABS-CBN management during the May 4, 2010 episode of Wowowee with a resignation if management does not fire another artist of the network. His behavior was generally seen as a display of disrespect and arrogance, completely unacceptable to the Filipino public."
The statement continued: "As the one who violated his contract, Willie has no right to have it unilaterally invalidated... ABS-CBN is the aggrieved party, and as such, is the only one that can decide to end the agreement."
For more on this story, log on to Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBNNews.com and Inquirer.net.