ShareThisJune 2, 2010 
QUEZON CITY – Popular ABS-CBN noontime show Wowowee host Willie Revillame has taken an indefinite leave from the program following a meeting with officials of the network. The top network reported on its website that Revillame’s contract obligations, however, with ABS-CBN will continue.
This means that he may not be able to move to another station as earlier reported when he asked the station to “release him.” “ABS-CBN and Willie agreed that he takes an indefinite break effective immediately, but his contract obligations with ABS-CBN hold. This disallows him to perform similar work for any person or entity in direct competition with ABSCBN,” said Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications.
“Willie has realized his mistake and apologized to ABS-CBN management for his outburst on air in Wowowee on May 4, 2010, and his failure to report to work since May 5, 2010. ABS-CBN management has accepted Willie’s apology,” the network said. “At some point, ABSCBN management and Willie will discuss what will be in the best interest of the viewing public. Meanwhile, Wowowee will continue to provide entertainment and inspiration to Filipinos worldwide,” Osorio added.
Prior to the announcement, action star Robin Padilla took over Revillame as co-host of the popular show. Padilla said his contract was to last for only two weeks, unless there will be changes in decisions by the network. Following the network’s announcement that Revillame was taking an indefinite leave, award-winning actor Cesar Montano, who just lost his gubernatorial bid in Bohol province, disclosed that he will host noontime show “Wowowee.”
In an exclusive interview with abscbnNEWS. com, Montano admitted that he accepted an offer from ABS-CBN management to host the popular show for two weeks. This means, that Montano will replace Padilla as co-host of the show. Earlier, the network reported that the show’s rating improved with Padilla there as a co-host.
Montano, however, reported that he is yet to know exactly when he will start as co-host of “Wowowee.” “Ang ino-offer lang nila sa akin is just 2 weeks to host. That’s the only thing I heard. But I think I have to hear pa‘yong development kung kailan ako papalit or what,” Montano said in a report of the network on its website. Rumor immediately circulated Montano, who hosted another ABSCBN show until last February, the “Singing Bee,” is being eyed by the network to permanently replace Willie Revillame.
Montano, however, declined to confirm or deny the rumor. He pointed out though that he is open to replacing Revillame permanently. “I cannot confirm. It’s so premature. I cannot give certain details regarding that. Until now, wala pa akong natatanggap,” Montano stressed in the ABS-CBN report. He added: “Although it’s not a bad idea, its a good honor for me. Pero I think regarding the show or any TV show, wala pa pong nakukumpirma. Even ‘Singing Bee,’ kung kailan ito babalik hindi ko pa alam.”
Montano said hosting “Wowowee” will be a new challenge for him. “I’m open to this idea… It’s another challenge to fulfill. Siguro kapag nakita ko na kung gaano kaganda ang offer at avenue,” Montano said. Revillame had asked ABS-CBN management to fire Jobert Sucaldito, a radio host and The Buzz segment host for reportedly making negative comments about him and Wowowee.