MANILA, Philippines — Television host Willie Revillame is making his return to the spotlight with a new game show titled “Wilyonaryo,” which will debut online on January 25 ahead of a possible television run.
The controversial host announced his comeback on Tuesday during a media conference at a Quezon City hotel, admitting the program was originally meant to air on TV5 but was affected by the recent changes in the network’s leadership.
“I understand that the new management needs to review the concept again,” Revillame said in Filipino. “But we’re still in talks, so we’re hopeful the show can air on television at the same time.”
The 64-year-old host, who celebrates his birthday next week, said one of the hurdles to a free-to-air broadcast is the show’s raffle component, which involves the sale of tickets — a format he said he was surprised to learn is considered a form of gaming. He clarified, however, that “Wilyonaryo” has secured the proper license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and is cleared to operate.
Revillame added that he went through all the required procedures to ensure the show’s compliance, stressing that his return to daily television work is rooted in the same purpose that defined his long-running career.
“Whoever I am today and whatever I’ve achieved is because of the people,” he said. “That’s why I’m doing this. I want to help, because so many Filipinos are struggling right now.”
Under the show’s format, ticket buyers stand a chance to win up to ₱1 million. Details on ticket purchases are available on the show’s official website (www.wilyonaryo.com).
Revillame has kept a low profile since the last national elections, where he lost his bid for a Senate seat despite his massive following. Asked by The Manila Times how he processed the defeat, he said he eventually came to see it as a “blessing.”
“If I had won, imagine what I’d be facing now, with everything that’s happening,” he said, referring to the ongoing massive corruption scandal in government. “All I ever wanted was to help people, but it’s painful to see how the Filipino people were stolen from.”
Revillame was visibly emotional as he stressed that, unlike corrupt officials, he never deceived the public.
“Hindi ko kailanman niloko ang Pilipino,” he said. “That’s why, for many years, I was the number two taxpayer in the country when I still had my TV shows. I do things the right way.”
He said losing the election reaffirmed his belief that public service does not have to be confined to holding public office.
“I can help people better outside government,” Revillame said. “And I’ll keep doing that through this show.”
Revillame rose to prominence as one of the most influential figures in Philippine noontime television, hosting long-running game and variety programs that centered on audience participation, cash prizes and on-air assistance, including “Wowowee" “Willing Willie” and “Wowowin" across all major networks.
