Willie's camp: P90 million contract is absurd
"P90 million? That's absurd, " Wowowillie business unit head Jay Montelibano said Friday when Yahoo! Philippines OMG! reached him for comment about a gossip blog entry on the alleged botched contract between TV5 and Willie Revillame.
According to local gossip blog Fashion Pulis, TV5 called it quits for Revillame and the network after the Wowowillie host demanded a P90 million contract despite the show's "terrible ratings." The meeting between the network bigwigs and Revillame allegedly happened on May 16.
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Montelibano laughed off the scenario and vouched that no meeting took place since he and Revillame were together at Wil's Events Place that time. He added that TV5's incoming president Noel Lorenzana has yet to assume office on June 1 and any negotiations about the renewal shall happen after he comes in.
Relationship with TV5 remains healthy
The business unit head also clarified that Revillame is still in good terms with the management.
"RCE (Ray C. Espinosa) and Kuya (Willie Revillame) met before the announcement of a new president. They seem ok," he said. "RCE even assured us that we'll be in good hands with Noel Lorenzana. Sabi niya, 'Aalagaan kayo nun.'"
Confusing contract
Reviewing the timeline of Revillame's contract, his first deal with TV5 happened last September 2010 and was supposed to expire September this year.
But in an interview with Manila Bulletin last December 2012, the TV host revealed that his first contract has already been cancelled to give way to a bigger a deal in time for the start of his new show which debuted late January.
"I accepted TV5's offer already. It was a good offer. Atty. Ray Espinosa talked to me man-to-man and laid down what TV5 can afford to give me in exchange for my old contract. He was acting in behalf of Mr. Manny Pangilinan. After careful consideration, I agreed. It was an offer that cemented my relationship with them all the more," Revillame said.
Program changes under way
Considering the efforts being made to strengthen Wowowillie's position in the noontime arena, the rumor could be impossible as of the moment. Montelibano shared they will implement changes on Wowowillie in the coming weeks to counter It's Showtime which is gaining ground, thanks to its pre-programming -- the phenomenal daytime drama Be Careful with my Heart.
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"Even Eat Bulaga suffers from the effects of Be Careful. Upon meeting with Wilma Galvante (TV5 entertainment consultant) and Menchie Orlina (Media5 President) last week, we've come up with ways to address the ratings," Montelibano added.
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