Solon says Wowowee a "big disgrace"

A Southern Luzon congressman on Sunday branded as a "big disgrace" the alleged anomaly of the Wilyonaryo segment of noontime television program Wowowee during its August 20 episode as he called on authorities, if necessary, to impose punishment on the host, Willie Revillame, and the entire management of the ABS-CBN television network.

Cavite Representative Joseph Emilio Abaya said he was dismayed with the incident in Wowowee because he himself is a loyal viewer of ABS-CBN Channel 2.

"Off hand, this is defrauding not just to an individual but also the general public, both here and abroad. A big disgrace. I've been a loyal viewer of ABS-CBN because theyhave shown that they are for the truth," said Abaya.

The legislator stressed the need for fairness of the ABS-CBN management and for concerned authorities not to treat the controversy with kid gloves, adding that the ABS-CBN management should face the consequences of the incident.

"They have raked in millions in these gimmicks to help or take advantage of simple folks. If found guilty, management and not only the game show host should be made accountable," he said. "I personally believe that an investigation on this issue is proper and if proven, a complaint should be filed," he added.

Meanwhile, Representatives Justin Marc Chipeco of Laguna and Juan Edgardo Angara of Aurora advised the exercise prudence in its possible higher form to avoid the questioning of credibility among game operators.

"They said it was a mistake, an error could be as long as it does not happen again. This is a game show and it's really design to entertain people," he said.

Chipeco also underscored the need for television programs to teach the value of hard work.

For his part, Angara called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to investigate the controversy.

"The DTI has the power to supervise a game show like Wowowee," he said.

Earlier, Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez and Valenzuela Representative Magtanggol Gunigundo II called on the ABS-CBN management to stop airing the controversial noontime television show and replace it with a new program that would promote the value of hard work.

Fernandez, an actor-turned politician and a neophyte lawmaker from Laguna, explained that maintaining Wowowee would not erase public perception about the alleged cheating in Wilyonaryo, a new segment, during its August 20 episode, which the ABS-CBN management had blamed to the so-called mechanical glitch.
SunStar