Anjo Yllana Breaks Silence on Cristy Fermin’s Claim About His Debt
ANJO YLLANA — The actor-comedian has finally addressed the issue surrounding his alleged unpaid debt to television host Willie Revillame, which was earlier revealed by veteran showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin on her program.
In an exclusive interview with Cabinet Files on November 4, 2025, Anjo admitted that Willie once helped him financially but clarified that it was not a loan. He explained that Willie extended his help out of pure kindness and never asked to be repaid. Anjo shared that income in the entertainment industry can be unpredictable — sometimes there is work, and sometimes there isn’t. During his long stint as a co-host on Eat Bulaga! from 1998 to 2020, he even went several months without receiving a salary.
Anjo described Willie as one of the few people who stood by him during difficult times. He said they had been close friends for many years and that Willie was generous to people he personally knew. When Anjo told him he wanted to pay back the money, Willie simply told him to return it only when he was able to — and only if he wanted to. Laughing, Anjo added that he still considers himself “financially disabled,” which is why he has not yet been able to pay anything back.
He also expressed admiration for Willie’s generosity toward others in the entertainment industry. According to him, Willie had helped many people, including the late Eat Bulaga! director Bert de Leon, whose hospital bills and condominium expenses he covered before his passing. Anjo also mentioned that Willie extended assistance to the late comedy king Dolphy and even to Cristy Fermin herself.
Anjo said that Willie is genuinely kind and that his acts of generosity come from compassion rather than obligation.
When asked about Cristy Fermin’s defense of Senator Tito Sotto, whom Anjo had jokingly mentioned in one of his vlogs, he said he completely understood her reaction. He explained that he and Cristy have a relationship marked by occasional disagreements but genuine affection. Despite her recent criticisms, Anjo said he holds no grudges and still values their friendship.
He concluded by saying that Willie’s help was never a debt but a sincere act of kindness that he will always be thankful for.