After flap, Willie Revillame goes on indefinite leave

MANILA, Philippines - After a vicious word war with entertainment writer Jobert Sucaldito, TV host Willie Revillame has gone on indefinite leave from his top-rated noontime show "Wowowee."

Revillame gave no reason for leaving the show except that he needed to rest. "Wowowee" mainstays Mariel Rodriguez and Pokwang took on the bulk of Revillame's hosting duties during Thursday's show.

Revillame, considered one of the highest-paid entertainers in local showbiz, threatened to resign from the show after engaging in a word war with "The Buzz" co-host and radio dzMM anchor Jobert Sucaldito.

Sucaldito caught the ire of Revillame after the veteran writer purportedly insulted some “Wowowee” contestants who were composed of high school students with general averages of 75 to 79. This prompted Revillame to challenge ABS-CBN management to fire Sucaldito or else he would resign from his own show.

ABS-CBN management, meanwhile, said they will talk to the 2 talents to iron out their differences.

For his part, Sucaldito said he is not afraid of Revillame since he believes he did the right thing.

“Nalulungkot lang ako na for petty issue ay aabot sa ganito. Kumbaga it's not fair. Maliit lang na tao. Kumbaga sa chess game, isa lang akong pawn, isa siyang king. Ano ba ang laban ko? Pero tuloy ang buhay. God is with me and I'm overwhelmed by the appreciation of the world," Sucaldito said.

Sucaldito denied ever referring to the "Wowowee" contestants as stupid, adding that he just wanted "Wowowee" to invite intelligent students to the show.

"Ako naman, I also stand by my story. I didn't hit him on personal level. I didn't like the concept. 'Yong concept lang ang aking tinitingnan. Kung na-misinform siya, it's not my problem. Ganoon lang naman ang buhay," he said.

Sucaldito also gave his own two cents on Revillame's threat to resign from "Wowowee" if Sucaldito was not fired. "Panindigan natin 'yan ha. 'Yon lang. Panindigan natin."

On the reported gag order issued by ABS-CBN management, Sucaldito said: "No, wala… at kung mayroon I don't know. I will cross the bridge when I get there."

The entertainment writer, meanwhile, denied that politics was the reason behind his tiff with Revillame. He said he respects the opinion and beliefs of others.

"Kung 'yon ang iniisip nila I respect that…. Nag-trabaho lang ako. Kung hindi niya na-appreciate ang ginawa ko, wala din akong magagawa. I don't see rightfully kung bakit kailangang pamimiliin mo ang isang istasyon,” he said, adding:

“Kawawa naman ang mga katulad ko... kapag hindi ka pala gusto ng isang tao at feeling niya malakas siya ay pwede ka niyang ipa-tanggal. How sad."