PHILIPPINES – Broadcasting giant ABS-CBN is alleging that Revillame unlawfully infringed the station’s copyright of Wowowee for Willing Willie and is suing to the tune of P127 million.
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In the thirty-three page long complaint, the network cited several strong similarities between Wowowee and Willing Willie, from their opening dance number led by Willie, their "Big Time Ka" segment, and "Willtime Bigtime" where contestants share their stories and talents before playing a trivia game. ABS-CBN complained about the similarities between the set of Willing Willie to Wowowee, and that the both shows used the same dancers.
Revillame, his production company, WilProductions, TV5, and TV5 President, Rey Espinosa will be held liable for the infringement. ABS-CBN claims that Willing Willie has caused, and continues to cause irreparable damage to the network.
Revillame became a household name as the host of Wowowee on ABS-CBN, up until he left the network last summer. His sudden resignation from the network came after he threatened to quit over criticism made by showbiz writer Jobert Sucaldito. His threat was a breach of contract, and so was his resignation, says ABS-CBN.
Aside from damages, ABS-CBN is seeking a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and/or Writ of Injunction to stop Revillame, TV5, and other co-defendants from further producing and airing Willing Willie. The case will be heard at Makati Regional Trial Court. ABS-CBN had been unsuccessful in its previous attempts to secure TROs to prevent Willing Willie from airing.
Bong Osorio told the Manila Bulletin that the network was left with no choice but to take the matter to court. “The issue on Willie Revillame is all about honoring a contract. To ABS-CBN, it is not only the ethical and right thing to do. It is a noble act of a person or a company that values honesty and integrity. These values are reflected in the way we do business in ABS-CBN. We honor what we say and we expect our people, talents and partners to reciprocate the trust and honor we give them.”
The case comes hot on the heels of the TV5 versus ABS-CBN primetime shuffle. Willing Willie is shown at the same time as ABS-CBN’s news program TV Patrol. Both programs beefed up their lineup last month, with TV Patrol recruiting its former anchors Korina Sanchez and Noli de Castro to join Ted Failon as President Aquino’s former flame Shalani Soledad debuted on Willing Willie as co-host.
