MANILA - Almost a month after he went on "indefinite leave", controversial TV host Willie Revillame continued to remain elusive and failed to show up at an awards ceremony at his home province of Nueva Ecija.
ABS-CBN learned that Revillame was supposed to receive the Ulirang Novo Ecijana award during the province's 113th year celebration this week. Instead, a woman who identified herself as Revillame's aunt accepted the award on Willie's behalf.
Revillame has been on indefinite leave from his top-rating noontime show "Wowowee" since August 5 after receiving criticism for ordering the removal of a video inset of former president Corazon Aquino's procession on August 3. The video, which showed thousands of Filipinos in mourning for Aquino, was shown simultaneously with "Wowowee."
ABS-CBN management and government censors earlier said they have reached an agreement to extend Willie's leave until Sept. 20, 2009. ABS-CBN also ordered the removal of a sexy dance portion on Wowowee.
Revillame has publicly apologized for his action and offered to resign from the show.
Since going on leave, the popular TV host has appeared in concerts in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro. Both shows were sponsored by Sen. Manny Villar, who is running for president next year.
