President Duterte on Willie Revillame: “I asked him to run as senator before, but he refused because …”
PRESIDENT DUTERTE — Here’s what the Philippine President said about Willie Revillame’s decision not to run for senator in the 2022 elections.
It was last December 22 when the President spilled the beans on the reason why the popular television personality turned down his offer to join the administration’s Senate slate in the 2022 elections.
The President was speaking to typhoon “Odette” victims in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte when he suddenly remembered that he’s with “Kuya Will”.
President Duterte then candidly told the story about Revillame’s unrealized foray into politics.
According to him, he asked Revillame to run as a senator before, but he refused because it would affect his TV show and he might lose his source of income.
READ ALSO: Willie Revillame Urged by President Duterte to Run in 2022 Elections
Revillame and President Duterte were in Siargao last Wednesday to give a semblance of joy and hope to local residents, who bore the brunt of typhoon “Odette” over the weekend.
“Odette” caused extensive damage to the island, which was a popular tourist destination in the country.
“He refused to run but he also told me, ‘Whatever you do, Mayor’ — don’t be surprised because I don’t call myself ‘President’. The people call me mayor. If you call me President, I won’t respond. So that’s why you should just call me mayor,” President Duterte narrated. “So he told me, ‘Mayor, I will help you, I will go with you but not for politics.’ Because he refused to run. He just wants to entertain the people because he’s quite popular.”
The President didn’t mention which election year he’s referring to.
President Duterte described Revillame as “one of the most generous people” he knew. According to him, Revillame wanted to give back to the people because his fame was from the people.
To recall, Revillame announced last October that he will not run for senator in the 2022 elections.
While his show on GMA Network started with a lengthy clip showing his generosity to the public through the years, the television host revealed that he didn’t need any government position to serve. He also vowed to continue helping the people through his program.
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