The Bully Willie

Willie Revillame joining politics?

MANILA, Philippines – From hosting game shows, Willie Revillame is now vying to be a part of the political circus. 

Revillame is not running for public office but seeks to form a partylist group,reports TV5.

The TV host made the announcement on his show Wil Time Big Time on the network.

“Alam niyo ba nagtatayo ako ng partylist? Para sa inyo iyan. Hindi para sa akin,” he told audiences. “Hindi ako tatakbo, gusto ko lang magtayo.” (Do you know that I’m starting a partylist group? It’s for you, not me. I will not run but I just want to form the group.)

Revillame said the group will be called “I Wil Serve Partylist,” evolving from his I Wil Serve Foundation.

“I Will Serve” already applied for accreditation with the Commission on Elections in March.

Founded last year, Revillame’s foundation is said to aim to help the poor.

The foundation’s co-founder, lawyer Ferdie Domingo, told TV5 that if accredited, the partylist will push for rights.

“If you are an advocate of rights, you could put it into legislation. You can put it into policy,” said Domingo.

Partylist groups are supposed to represent marginalized sectors. According to TV5’s news website, Interaksyon.com, Revilla’s group aims to be “a multi-sectoral organization catering to the poor, elderly, women and even professionals.”

Revillame and Domingo did not say who they intend to nominate as partylist representatives.

Mass appeal

Revillame is popular among the masses for his top-rating game shows that give away big sums of money and other prizes.

For the same reason, he has attracted controversy especially during the 2006Wowowee stampede that killed over 70 people and injured more than 300.

The stampede occurred as thousands were lining up outside the Ultra stadium in Pasig City to watch Wowowee, his now-defunct show on ABS-CBN.

Revillame’s popularity draws viewers and politicians seeking their votes.

In the 2010 elections, Revillame endorsed Sen Manny Villar for president. It was also on Wowowee where then presidential hopeful Mar Roxas announced his engagement to ABS-CBN chief correspondent Korina Sanchez.

In its February 26 to March 9, 2012 survey, pollster Pulse Asia said Revillame is “within striking distance of a senatorial seat” in 2013. He got an overall voter preference of 20.2%. – Rappler.com

Source : http://www.rappler.com