Television host and businessman Willie Revillame has responded to critics questioning his qualifications to run for senator in the 2025 midterm elections, asserting that his decades of experience engaging with Filipinos have prepared him for public service.
During a press conference on Friday, February 21, Revillame dismissed claims that he lacks the necessary political knowledge, emphasizing that his 27 years of direct interaction with ordinary citizens have given him a deep understanding of their needs and struggles.
“27 years na akong nakikinig sa kanila, nakikiramdam kung ano ang dapat gawin. And I guess this is the right time for me,” Revillame stated.
The TV host, known for his game shows that provide financial assistance to struggling Filipinos, said his motivation to run is rooted in expanding his efforts to help more people beyond television giveaways.
“Ito na ang tamang panahon para magawa ko na ang gusto kong pagtulong sa kanila, not just in the studio. Hindi lang pagbibigay ng jacket, pagbibigay ng cellphone, ₱10,000, ₱20,000. Ito mas kailangan na ng mas malawak na pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan.”
Amid skepticism about his capabilities, Revillame fired back at detractors who claim he lacks the knowledge to be in public office.
“Sabi nga nila wala nga daw akong alam. Tama naman sila lahat eh, wala akong alam na mang-api ng kapwa ko. Wala akong alam na mang-isa ng bawat Pilipino. Wala akong alam na magnakaw.”
He argued that his background and firsthand experiences with poverty have shaped his understanding of governance and public service.
“Ang alam ko lang ay makagawa ng kabutihan sa mga nangangailangan nating kababayan. Ilang presidente na ang dumaan, ilang senador, ilang mayor, ilang congressman, eh 27 years na akong nakikinig sa mahihirap eh. Alam ko yung damdamin nila at galing din ako sa ganoong buhay.”
As part of his preparations for the 2025 elections, Revillame announced on January 28 that he would temporarily step down as host of his game show ‘Wil To Win’.
He assured his loyal viewers that the program would continue under the leadership of his longtime friend and veteran TV host Randy Santiago.
“Mawawala man ako, itutuloy po natin ang programa para ho makapagbigay ng saya. Sana naman ho, e, huwag ninyong iiwan. Kasi ginawa itong programa na ‘to para sa inyo, so kayo ang bida. Kayo ang maglalaro, kayo ang mananalo.”
Revillame also shared that Santiago was instrumental in his early career, recalling how the singer-TV host discovered him years ago.
“So, sino ba ang makakasama ng mga co-host ko? Sino ang papalit sa ‘yo, Willie? E, wala naman iba, siya lang ang nakasama ko. Mga kababayan, ang taong nag-discover sa akin sa ‘Lunch Date’—ang taong napakabait, walang kaaway, ang ganda ng pagkatao. Walang iba ho, ang hindi nagbabago, Mr. Randy Santiago!”
Revillame continued hosting ‘Wil To Win’ until February 10, before fully shifting his focus to his Senate campaign.
