A week ago, Wowowee host, Willie Revillame, apologized to the public and the Aquinos after ordering the removal of the live streaming of former President Corazon ‘Cory’ Aquino’s funeral procession from his noon time slot. Since then, the issue became hotter and as the word was out, the public, specially those who supported the Aquinos,  became even more angrier. It became the word on the streets, forums and even in blogs!
Last August 10, the aftermath to all the flames came out: Willie Revillame is on ‘indefinite’ leave. Below is the news feed from ABS-CBNnews.com:

MANILA – Willie Revillame is on leave “indefinitely” in the wake of the controversy generated by his order to cut the simultaneous live broadcast of the procession of President Corazon Aquino’s remains from his noontime show last August 3. “Yes, naka-leave [siya]. From his (Revillame) own text [message] to me, indefinitely. Indefinitely, can be two days or three days,” Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN’s corporate communications, told abs-cbnNEWS.com in a phone interview. In an interview with the entertainment website, Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), Johnny Manahan, a Star Magic executive, said Revillame “has been asked to go on leave” beginning Monday, August 10. Revillame, YES! magazine’s most powerful entertainer, has been conspicuously absent from his show since Saturday.  His female co-hosts, Mariel Rodriguez, Pokwang, Valerie Concepcion and RR Enriquez, have taken over “Wowowee” in his absence.  “He feels isolated and beleaguered… I don’t know when he will be back. Maybe, he will soldier on and do the two-week leave, or again, he may be back next week. Meanwhile, he has a real time to rest, be alone, and contemplate the future,” Manahan told PEP.  Manahan defended Revillame from critics who have lashed at the host for being “arrogant.” Contrary to criticisms, the Star Magic executive said the “Wowowee” host is “simple, compassionate and a pushover.” Manahan also pointed out that the “Wowowee” host would never disrespect the late former president and her family.  Manahan admitted though that Revillame did not carefully choose his words when he ordered a stop to the live broadcast. The live broadcast showed the transfer of Mrs. Aquino’s body to Manila Cathedral from La Salle Green Hills on August 3, prompting an irked Revillame to have it cut.   Revillame explained that it was inappropriate to broadcast the funeral procession while they were having fun inside the studio. Revillame’s action last Monday drew instant criticism from various quarters, particularly in various online forums. On August 4, Revillame publicly apologized, but said he was standing by his decision to have the simultaneous broadcast removed on air.  He also disclosed that he had asked ABS-CBN entertainment production head Linggit Tan to remove it, and that he only blew his top when he saw the broadcast again on the screen. He also said that he never meant to offend people. He said his only intention was to give respect and make the occasion a solemn one. Osorio, meanwhile, said Revillame has already “apologized and the Aquino family has accepted it.” -Reyma Buan-Deveza, abs-cbnNEWS.com

<RANT MODE ON>

Ok let me just throw a few of my opinions on the following quotes:

Manahan defended Revillame from critics who have lashed at the host for being “arrogant.”

If he’s not arrogantly speaking, what then?

Manahan also pointed out that the “Wowowee” host would never disrespect the late former president and her family.

In my own understanding, being bothered by the live funeral of the former president to the point of arrogantly asking to cut the live broadcast to proceed making Filipinos happy while on the other hand the so-called-Filipinos are actually contemplating and weeping. Think of it, a person will obviously die only once and this person for the record freed the television company from the grip of dictatorship; where they were able to freely broadcast in the airways once more.

Manahan admitted though that Revillame did not carefully choose his words when he ordered a stop to the live broadcast.

What’s said is said. The damage has been done. You can’t possibly make a lot of Filipinos believe it was unintentional, judging by the way you talked.

So after all, it was just arrogantly unintentional? LOL

<RANT MODE OFF>

This post is around 3 days late but it’s now or never. That’s because I don’t usually watch TV or I missed the news in the Internet. Anyway, news is around the country that Wowowee host Willie Revillame apologized on his noon time show after thousands of people drew their criticisms for ordering the removal of the live streaming of former President Corazon ‘Cory’ Aquino’s funeral procession from his noon time slot.

He also apologized to the Aquino family and to the network (ABS-CBN) management “for hurting their feelings.” Willie added that his request to stop the inserted video was really “a sign of love and respect for Tita Cory.”

He further explained that it was unappropriate to broadcast it since Wowowee was supposed to be a fun and lively show. Making the country happy would be very difficult for him if he’s seeing the casket of Mrs. Aquino. “Di po maganda. Nagsasaya kami dito habang nagluluksa ang sambayanang Pilipino. ‘Di ko magagampanan ang pagpapatawa habang ipinapakita ang libing ng dating presidente.” (It’s not good for us to have fun here while the whole country grieves. I cannot make people laugh at the same time that this part of the funeral of the funeral of our former president is being shown.)

In my own understanding, can’t the show at least pay its respect to the person who once again gave freedom to media and press 23 years ago? The show can go on for a long time and this rarely happens. This is not even the time for having fun and to make other people happy. What would the Aquinos think of your idea of making people laugh while the entire family is grieving?