Willie Revillame is calling out a former production intern who alleged that staff at “Wowowin” were barred from making eye contact or speaking with the TV host, dismissing the story as a fabrication made to gain attention.
Addressing the controversy during the May 6 live broadcast of “Wilyonaryo,” Revillame said he had no knowledge of any intern or OJT student working near him at GMA, and denied that any such restrictions ever existed.
“Marami nang lumalabas sa social media na paninira. Huwag po kayong maniniwala d’yan na bawal raw akong tingnan. Una, hindi ko po alam na OJT o mayroon naka-intern d’yan na mga estudyante. Hindi ko po alam ‘yan,” he said.
He attributed the impression of exclusivity to the layout of GMA’s backstage area, where his dressing room was situated, saying the space was naturally less trafficked.
“Kaya huwag po kayong maniniwala na bawal akong tingnan o ano. Siraulo ‘tong batang ‘to. Gustong sumikat. Pati ako gagamitin n’yo? Paanong bawal akong tignan, lahat nga ng makikita ko niloloko ko, binibiro ko,” he said.
Revillame further stated that he neither recognized nor encountered the intern throughout his time at the network. “Hindi nga namin kilala ‘to… Never ho naming nakita ‘yan sa GMA,” he added.
The timing of the allegation drew Revillame’s attention, coming as he announced the return of his long-running program “Wowowin.” “Babalik lang ang Wowowin, sisiraan n’yo pa ako. Babalik ho ang Wowowin para makatulong sa mga kababayan sa hirap ng buhay ngayon. Gumagawa na nga ng paraan,” he said.
The host issued a direct challenge to the intern, inviting a personal confrontation to settle the matter. “Pumunta ka rito, magpakilala ka sa akin at mag-one on one tayo. Sabihin mo sa akin kung kailan kita nakita. Gagawa ka ng isang istorya para sumikat ka? Gagawa ka ng istorya para makilala ka? Paglalaruan niyo ‘yung tao?” he said.
Despite the sharp words, Revillame closed with a measured tone toward the intern. “Bata ka pa lang nagsisinungaling ka na… Kung ikaw ay estudyante noon sana naka-graduate ka. Sana maging maayos ang buhay mo,” he said.
The allegation originated from stand-up comedian Dex Conche, who claimed in a widely circulated post that interns during his time at “Wowowin” were forbidden from speaking to or even looking at Revillame.
