The Court of Appeals (CA) just handed down a decision which affirms that there is a probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest against the “Wowowin” host, Willie Revillame.
This is in connection with a child abuse case filed against him by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 2011. Way back March 12, 2011, the now defunct “Willing Willie” show featured a 6-year old who danced like a “macho” dancer. His unusually provocative dance moves elicited squeals of laughter from the studio audience as well as Willie Revillame himself. Willie asked the kid to dance again and even imitated some of his moves.
Thereafter, he gave the kid P10,000 in cash. While the kid was dancing, it was very visible on TV that he was crying during his performance. Revillame noticed this and even teased the kid about his tears.
Here’s the video of the controversial episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edP0Am_i-fU
The episode became controversial at that time. DSWD then filed a case against Revillame for violation of Republic Act 7610, more commonly known as the Anti-Child Abuse Law. Judge Roberto Buenaventura issued a warrant of arrest in October 2013 but Revillame’s lawyers contested the warrant and elevated it to the Court of Appeals.
Now, the Court of Appeal’s 13th Division upheld Judge Buenaventura’s decision that there is probable cause to apprehend and arrest Willie Revillame. In the 11-page decision, the CA stated “As there is probable cause for the petitioner’s commission of a crime, his arrest and arraignment should now ensue so that this case may properly proceed to trial, where the merits of both parties’ evidence and allegations may be weighed.”
Here’s the parents of Janjan’s explanation on “Willing Willie:”
The question whirling in everyone’s mind is, will the embattled Willie Revillame be imprisoned for this child abuse case? And if yes, can his career survive after this controversy?
