Willie may comply with MTRCB decision, says lawyer
Despite the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board's (MTRCB) decision to suspend TV5's flagship primetime variety program "Willing-Willie" for 30 days inclusive of the Kapatid network's three week self suspension, Willie Revillame's legal counsel, Atty. Leonard de Vera, revealed that his legal team was at ease with the ruling because the agency did not find Revillame, Wil Productions and TV5 guilty of any act constituting child abuse, child exploitation or child cruelty in the case involving 6 year old Jan-Jan Suan.
In a report on TV5's "Aksyon JournalisMo," De Vera said they may still opt to file a motion for reconsideration to lift MTRCB's suspension on "Willing Willie." But since Revillame is willing to go through any process that will enable him and his program to go back on air as soon as possible, Revillame's team may just comply with MTRCB's decision. Their final decision is yet to be announced.
"Hindi kami kumportable especially on the suspension kaya lamang sa kagustuhan ni Willie na bumalik na rin sa programa kung ano yung proseso na papayagan siyang makabalik alang-alang lang dun sa mga milyon-milyong na mga Pilipino humihiling sa pagbabalik niya...," De Vera said.
Meanwhile, Atty. Jake Corporal, TV5 legal counsel, ensured the MTRCB and the public that the network will strictly implement the Kapatid network's guidelines and policies on children.
"We're very serious in implementing these policies. We will surely follow through on them," he said.
'Willing-Willie's' big return
In a text message sent to Yahoo! OMG! Philippines, Jay Montelibano, "Willing Willie" Business Unit Head said the program's "big" comeback may still take a little while longer.
"No idea yet. TV5 bosses & Willie are still talking. While off the air our creatives team went into brainstorming with the intent of offering new games to our viewers," he said.
For now, one thing's for sure. Willie Revillame and his program will definitely be back in the tube sooner than many have anticipated.
"Tuloy yung commitment natin sa tao na magbigay ng pag-asa at ligaya," De Vera said.
