Veteran television host Willie Revillame has strongly denied rumors circulating on social media that he is experiencing financial difficulties and has been forced to sell his properties.
Revillame addressed the issue during the media launch of his new game show ‘Wilyonaryo’ on January 20, where he spoke with LionhearTV and other members of the entertainment press.
Asked about online claims that he had sold off major assets following his election loss, Revillame dismissed the reports as fake news.
“Hindi totoo yun, eh. Minsan natatawa na lang ako eh or kung saan nila kinukuha yun. Hindi mo alam kung kino-content ka or may galit sa ’yo,” he said.
He explained that selling a property does not automatically mean financial trouble, especially when it is part of reinvesting.
“Ganito lang yun, eh. Kung meron kang property na may nagkagusto at kikita ka ng doble, hindi mo ba ibebenta? So, mag-i-invest ka uli,” Revillame said.
The host then went on to enumerate the properties he currently owns, stressing that he remains financially stable.
“May bago akong resort sa Puerto Galera. May pinapaganda ako roon na high-end hotel. Meron akong biniling dalawang floor sa isang penthouse sa BGC. Buong floor hindi lang isang unit. May 800 square meters each,” he shared.
He added, “May binili rin akong apat na unit sa isang condominium sa tapat ng mall sa BGC.”
According to Revillame, he only sold one property in Tagaytay due to its size and upkeep requirements.
“Isa lang ang naibenta kong property sa Tagaytay kasi sobrang laki. Hindi ko na rin maasikaso. May tatlo akong chopper. May yate pa rin ako na binili ko ng $10 million or P580 million,” he said.
While acknowledging that discussing his wealth may come across as boastful, Revillame said he felt compelled to speak up to correct misinformation.
“Ayoko na sanang sabihin ito baka sabihin ninyo nagyayabang ako. Kaso gusto kong sabihin na hindi naman ako naghihirap. Pinaghirapan ko ang mga ito,” he said.
Revillame also expressed gratitude to the television networks and audiences that supported him throughout his career.
“Kaya pinasasalamatan ko ang ABS-CBN, TV5, GMA, at ALLTV. Lahat ng ito ay buong loob na tinulungan ako. Pero siyempre ang pinakaimportante sa lahat ay yung mga tao na sumuporta sa lahat ng programa ko. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila lalo na yung mahihirap at masa wala ako. Kapag ayaw sa’yo ng mga tao hindi ka magre-rate,” he said.
During the same press conference, Revillame confirmed past reports about his seven-year relationship with former SexBomb dancer Sugar Mercado, saying simply, “Oo, totoo yun.” He admitted missing Sugar’s children, whom he had grown close to during their relationship.
“Napamahal na sa akin mga anak ni Sugar, parang naging mga anak ko na rin sila. Kasi hindi ko naman nakakasama mga anak ko, du’n ako nabaling, sa mga anak niya,” he said.
Revillame clarified that they eventually broke up because they were not meant for each other, adding that continuing the relationship would have been unfair to Sugar.
Laughing, he reminded reporters to stay focused on his new project, saying, “Hoy, yung tungkol sa game show ang isulat n’yo.”
‘Wilyonaryo’ premieres on January 25 via its official website, wilyonaryo.com, where viewers can also find details on how to participate and win cash prizes.
