The Court of Appeals(CA) has dismissed a copyright infringement case filed by media giant ABS-CBN against former talent Willie Revillame, ABC Development Corporation and its president Ray Espinosa, and Wilproductions Inc. before a Makati City trial court in connection with “striking similarities” between Revillame’s now-defunct show “Wowowee” with ABS-CBN and his subsequent game show “Willing Willie” with ABC.
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The top taxpayers in towns are celebrities and businessmen according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) list of the biggest taxpayers for 2009. As a matter of fact, celebrity-host Willie Revillame placed in second rank as biggest taxpayers. One rank higher is a businesswoman in the name of Elaine B. Gardiola, treasurer of the A.E. Gardiola Construction, Inc. Ms. Gardiola, who was at fourth place in the 2008 listing.

A total of top 500 individual and top 500 corporate taxpayers complete the list provided to the public by BIR. According to BIR Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares, this is to recognize the role models in tax paying.

Media personalities who were included in the list were Maria Ressa and Julius Babao, reaching about 6 million tax payment.

The top 12 individual taxpayers in 2009 were

#1 – Elaine B. Gardiola, P59.54 million
#2 – Rosabelle C. Bandong, P57.87 million
#3 – Wilfredo B. Revillame, P57.25-million (#2 in 2008)
#4 – Francis Carlo D. Taparan, P38.75 million
#5 – Ronaldo R. Soliman, P36.7 million
#6 – Ramon S. Ang, president of San Miguel, P26.44 million
#7 – Oscar M. Lopez, former chairman of First Philippine Holdings, Co., P25.70 million
#8 – Henry Sy, Sr., president of SM Investments Corp., P25.18 million
#9 – Carlos D.C. Ejercito, P25.02 million
#10 – Bonifacio D. Gumboc, Jr., P24.74 million
#11 – Maria Teresa Caridad P. Gallego, P24.45 million
#12 – GMA Network Chief Executive Officer Felipe L. Gozon, P22.19 million

Other businessmen on the list were
#14 – Bank of the Philippine Islands President/CEO Aurelio R. Montinola III, P20.14 million
#17 – GMA President Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., P19.77 million
#19 – Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) Chairman Manuel M. Lopez, P19.32 million
#20 – Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, P19.28 million
#27 – UnionBank Chairman/CEO Justo A. Ortiz, P15.43 million
#33 – TV5 Pres. Ray C. Espinosa, P13.99 million
#37 – former Philippine American Life and General Insurance Co. Pres./CEO Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., P12.93 million
#55 – Metrobank Pres. Arthur V. Ty, P11.18 million
#76 – tobacco magnate Lucio C. Tan, P9.23 million
#242 – ABS-CBN Chairman/CEO Eugenio L. Lopez III, P5.15 million

Showbiz personalities were also on the list, among them
#18 – Sharon Cuneta Pangilinan, P19.55 million
#39 – Kristina Bernadette “Kris” Aquino Yap, P12.79 million
#50 – Piolo Jose Nonato Pascual, P11.51 million
#62 – Marian Rivera Gracia, P10.12 million

Media personalities also among the top taxpayers in 2009 were
#173 – Maria A. Ressa, P5.91 million
#175 – Julius Caesar C. Babao, P5.88 million

Among companies, the top corporate taxpayers were
#1 – Smart Communications, P10.2 billion, (#1 for the second straight year)
#2 – Globe Telecom, P5.49 billion
$3 – Chevron Malampaya LLC, P4.19 billion
#4 – San Miguel Brewery, Inc., P3.58 billion
#5 – Nestle Philippines, Inc., P3.55 billion
#6 – PLDT Communications and Energy Ventures, Inc., P3.53 billion
#7 – Shell Philippines Exploration, B.V., P3.24 billion
#8 – Meralco, P2.79 billion
#9 – Fortune Tobacco Corp., P1.88 billion
#10 – SM Prime Holdings, Inc., P1.82 billion

Others in the top 50 included
#21 – GMA Network, Inc., P1 billion
#25 – Wyeth Philippines, Inc., P878.06 million
#26 – Unilever Philippines, Inc., P836.5 million
#27 – San Miguel Foods, Inc., P807.42 million

After some meetings with ABS-CBN officials, Willie Revillame sent his resignation letter to the network with a copy for the media.

He announced that he is leaving despite the existing contract. Revillame claimed that he was treated unfairly by the network that’s why he pleaded to set him free.

Revillame supposed to go back to Wowowee on July 30 as an agreement prior with his meetings with ABS-CBN Entertainment Production head Linggit Tan on July 10, and ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio on July 13.

However, he was met again by the chairs and told him that there were changes. Wowowee will be replaced by a new game show while he will be assigned to a pre-recorded weekly show and a possible Studio23 program.

He objected to that decision and told the network that he wanted to withdraw his contract.

“To Sir Gabby and Ma’am Charo, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me and for giving me opportunities in life. I have yet to decide what to do for the days to come. But for now my objective is to move on and to learn from my experience,” he said.

Meanwhile, here is the full official statement of ABS-CBN regarding the issue:

We take note of Willie Revillame’s pronouncements in his press conference today.

Willie is bound to ABS-CBN by a contract until 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.

As the one who violated his contract, Willie has no right to have it unilaterally invalidated. Contracts are binding agreements that must be respected by the contracting parties involved. The one who violates the contract cannot be allowed to dictate whether it should continue or end. Otherwise, contracts will have no value and may be terminated based on whim.

ABS-CBN is the aggrieved party, and as such, is the only one that can decide to end the agreement.

Despite all that had happened, ABS-CBN was willing to continue with the contract. Willie however, refused to take responsibility for his actions.

ABS-CBN wishes to reiterate that it will hold Willie to his obligations under the contract which expires September 2011.

After Senator Bong Revilla confirmed that he was given the offer of ABS-CBN to become the permanent host of Wowowee, he said he had to turn down the offer out of respect to Willie Revillame.

Willie Revillame is still on his “indefinite leave” while the “Kanto Boys” Billy Crawford, John Lloyd Cruz and Luis Manzano took over his place to entertain the Filipino people every noontime.

Senator Revilla who ranked as number 1 in the last senatorial race was the last person offered by ABS-CBN after Aga Muhlach who also declined the hosting opportunity.

Idol Robin Padilla hosted the show for about a month before Revilla and Muhlach got the offer.

Is Revillame going back after his leave? Or is there any other guy who has that “mass-factor” who will take over his place?

Willie Revillame sends his resignation letter to the heads of ABS-CBN after weeks of leaving the show Wowowee.

In his letter, Willie asks that he be released from his contract with the network which is still 1.5 years premature. Here is a copy of the letter of resignation of Willie:

****************************

12 May 2010

MR. EUGENIO LOPEZ, III

Chairman of the Board

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

Mo. Ignacia Ave., Quezon City

Through: Ms. Charo Santos-Concio

President

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

Dear Sir Gabby and Ma’am Charo,

I have labored over the past week on what to do in the face of another setback in my relations with the management of the network. ABS-CBN has been my home for the last five years and five months and it has given me the greatest gift – the opportunity to reach out to people who have so little in life.

In the process, I have come to realize that my gratitude to the network would be more meaningful if I considered the impact of my recent actions which has placed the station in a bad light. This is among the reasons, as I will explain in this letter, that I humbly request the management, to release me as a talent of the network. (Willie’s contract is good for one year and a half more. — RFL)

It is no secret that the program “Wowowee,” for almost five and a half years, has been the core of my existence. The program gives me a sense of purpose because I make people happy and I give them hope that, despite their difficulties, they can make things happen for themselves. Because of this, my world has revolved around the show. The desire to make it the best noontime show, has consumed my waking hours, as I conceptualize its format and contents from Monday to Saturday. Apart from this, I want the show to give the network excellent ratings to maintain its reputation as the leader in the broadcasting industry.

My devotion to the show is unparalleled that I have even been besieged by health problems due to the long hours I spend daily, thinking of how to bring “Wowowee” closer to the public. In fact, I have developed a heart blockage, which has already once posed a real threat to my life. I have sacrificed so much. Now, I have to accept the reality that I also have to take good care of my health.

Hence, it is very painful to hear every time my show is the target of unwanted and unnecessary tirades. I do not think that these people even have the slightest clue of what I go through to put together a show like “Wowowee”’. The show is not for me, but for those people who dream of a better life. Is it too much to ask that we be respected for what we do? Is it too much to ask that we be defended from such attacks?

My outburst last week during the live presentation of the show is nothing more than a reflection of my frustration over these things, and was not at all meant to disrespect the network and its management. I implore you to understand that several incidents, which were beyond my control which have marred the reputation of the show to some extent, have already taken their toll on me.

There was the “Wilyonaryo” incident wherein we were accused of deceiving contestants about their winnings; the Ultra stampede wherein I was blamed and severely criticized; the misunderstanding about my remarks when the coverage of the funeral of the late Pres. Corazon Aquino was unexpectedly shown in the giling-giling portion of “Wowowee”’s airing, for which I have apologized. In all these incidents, I took responsibility even if I was not at fault.

I do not want to cause any further embarrassment to the network. I know that all these have caused so much strain on our relations and I would like to save the situation by asking that I be released as a talent of the station. This way, I will have the much-needed space and time to contemplate on my direction in life and, at the same time, maintain the relationships I have built within the network, which are all worth preserving.

Before I end this letter, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all the important people I have had the good fortune to work with during the years I have been with ABS-CBN. Ma’am Charo, maraming salamat sa lahat ng pagkakataon na naibigay ninyo sa akin. Kayo po ang tinuturing kong ina na patuloy akong tinatanggap at minamahal sa kabila ng lahat ng aking kahinaan. Hinding-hindi ko po kayo makakalimutan at lahat ng mga bagay na ginawa ninyo para sa akin.

Kay Mr. Gabby Lopez, maraming salamat po sa inyong pagtitiwala sa aking kakayanan na magbigay ng mahusay na programa. Kay Tita Cory Vidanes, maraming salamat sa pagiging maunawain ninyo sa akin. Kay Mr. Johnny Manahan, maraming salamat sa walang-sawang pag-suporta ninyo sa akin at sa “Wowowee,” at lalong lalo na sa pagtayo ninyo bilang aking pangalawang ama. Kay Ms. Linggit Tan, Mr. Jay Montelibano at Mr. Edgar Mortiz, maraming salamat sa suporta at tulong ninyo na mapabuti and programang “Wowowee” para sa ikaliligaya ngmga natutulangan natin. Sa lahat ng bumubuo ng management ng ABS-CBN, maraming salamat sa tulong ninyo sa aking programa.

Higit sa lahat, sa lahat ng mga taong sumuporta at patulong na sumusuporta sa show na “Wowowee,” maraming salamat at kayo ang nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas na gawin ang mga dapat kong gawin. Sana po ay maunawaan ninyo ang aking kahilingan sa sulat na ito. Ayaw ko na pong may masasaktan pa at gusto ko lang na maisaayos lahat. Taos-puso akong humihingi sa inyo ng tawad at lubos na pang-unawa sa lahat ng pinagdadaanan ko ngayon.

There will never be enough words to express my gratitude to all of you…

Salamat at mabuhay po kayong lahat!

Respectfully yours,

— Willie B. Revillame

Copy furnished:

Ms. Charo Santos-Concio

Ms. Cory Vidanes

Mr. Johnny Manahan

Ms. Arlene De Castro

Ms. Linggit Tan

Mr. Jay Montelibano

Mr. Edgar Mortiz

After the live expressed of dismay of Willie Revillame against Jobert Sucaldito few days ago, He went to Indefinite Leave on his Wowowee show. This all started when Willie somehow came to know what Jobert said on his DZMM progam commenting on one of is Willie of Fortune segment. Then “Sa management ng ABS-CBN, kung hindi nyo sya (Jobert) tatanggalin, mag-re-resign ako,” said Willie.

For those people who are curious on what had happened please watch the video below.

Actress Meryll Soriano shared her views about the issues involving his father Willie Revillame about his reaction to the funeral coverage of the late President Cory Aquino. She said that it was just a misunderstanding that her father requested not to include the inset of the funeral coverage while they were doing some merry making in the show out of respect for the late President. Her father reacted on air and delivered a statement in a wrong way. She also said that her father already apologized to the Aquino family that the latter accepted it. When asked about the rumored Willie’s dissapointment to ABS-CBN regarding the issue, she just said that she cannot speak on her father’s behalf as they were not talking about that issue. Willie Revillame is about to come back to Wowowee this coming September 21.

While Willie Revillame is on leave, Gabby Concepcion was chosen to be a temporary host for the said noontime show. It was indeed an honor for Gabby being the host of the show that he received a lot of good response from its viewers. He also shared that he really felt the sincerity as the studio players share their stories in life. He was also asked if he wants to have the same show like Wowowee and he answered yes, but not to replace Willie Revillame.

After the controversies he’s involved with, Willie Revillame takes a leave of absence to his noontime show Wowowee. According to Head of ABS-CBN’s Corporate Communications, Bong Osorio, Willie texted him and said that he is on indefinite leave effective last Saturday. Meanwhile, MTRCB and KBP claim that Willie violated Presidential Decree of 1986 Section 3C, saying they can take action on any program on TV that will not reflect good values and show anything injurious to the State, the Republic of the Philippines and its people. They have already sent the notice to ABS-CBN on the matter and will have only five days to respond to this. On the other hand, MTRCB Chairwoman Consoliza Laguardia and KBP Vice Chairman Jun Nicadao says that the station will receive fair treatment in the hearing of this issue. Willie has already apologize to the Aquino family and they have accepted it and will not make any big deal out of it.

Wowowee host Willie Revillame proved to the supporters of his show that he’s not dead as rumors spread in the net that he died last July 23. He said that he doesn’t know anything about computers or internet but he thanked all of those perpetrators as he appeared in the show, alive and kicking.

Wowowee Host Willie Revillame confirmed in an interview that he will not run in the 2010 Elections.He enjoys helping people without involving himself in politics.He also clarified that he will not be endorsing any candidate to his Wowowee followers.He also stated that guestings of Presidential aspirants like Manny Villar, and Mar Roxas does not involve politics,and it just happened that they are politicians.He also had an approval from his bosses in ABS-CBN with regards to their appearance in Wowowee.Revillame himself gave all of his guests fair treatment whether its in showbiz or in politics.

Rumor is that Willie Revillame will be raffling off one million pesos to the Wowowee staff and crew (plus the Fab 12) on his birthday this coming January 27.

The tv host is also on the hot seat now after YES featured his houses and other properties. Some says he is a show-off, and the others are inspired to work hard to achieve the same.

Wowowee host Willie Revillame is set to buy a brand new chopper. This, as reported by Cristy Fermin in her column in a tabloid. Willie also recently purchased a top of the line sports car (the eleventh of his collection) and a yacth.

Willie Revillame, host of the ABS-CBN noontime show Wowowee, made an appearance at the Bureau of Internal Revenue Office in Quezon City to pay more than P6.2 million in taxes (that’s quarterly, and for April, May, and June).

Willie said he dutifully pays his taxes, and does not intend to cheat the government as gratitude for the blessings he has been receiving all these years.

Roxanne Guinoo will be the wife of Willie Revillame on the upcoming movie Mr. Housewife. Roxanne replaces Kristine Hermosa for the role which was originally picked by Willie.