After filing his certificate of candidacy in October 2024, show host Wilfredo “Willie” Buendia Revillame — “Kuya Wil” to his audience — said that he did not have a legislative platform, and that he would think of one if he wins the senatorial elections in May 2025.
“Ang iniisip ko ay kung paano pa lang ako mananalo,” he said in a The Big Story interview.
Known for giving away cash prizes, jackets, and smartphones in his prime time game shows, he shared his intention to broaden his public service. “Kailangan na mas malawak na pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan,” he said in a press conference on February 21.
Current occupation: TV host, CEO of WBR Entertainment Productions Corporation
Education: Centro Escolar University (did not finish)
Previous occupations: Host of Wil To Win (since 2024), Wowowin (2015-2023), Wowowillie (2013-2014) Wil Time Bigtime (2010-2013), and Wowowee (2005-2010)
Affiliated parties: Independent, Galing sa Puso Party-list
Political Stances
Governance
Revillame has neither commented on nor proposed solutions to issues concerning corruption, bureaucracy, law enforcement, the justice system, and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Economy
When he filed for his certificate of candidacy, Revillame promised to increase the PWD and seniors’ discount for essential goods.
In the February 21 press conference, he said, “Hihikayatin ko na sana maraming mga investors na pumasok dito para mas marami tayong matulungan na ating mga kababayan.”
Aside from these, he has not shared his views on other economic issues in the country.
Human Rights and Social Justice
He also has not given his stance on social issues like gender rights, indigenous rights, labor rights, and the war on drugs.
Healthcare
Without delving into specifics, Revillame said in his February 21 press conference, “Kailangan ‘yung kalusugan mo talagang maayos para makapagtrabaho ka, mabigyan ka ng trabaho na maayos.”
He has not given his opinion on drug reform and rehabilitation.
National Security and Foreign Policy
He also has not given his positions on territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea and other concerns regarding national security and foreign relations.
Environment and Disaster Preparedness
Revillame has previously taken part in disaster relief efforts, particularly for victims of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009 and Mayon Volcano evacuees in 2023. According to Vera Files, he has also pushed for improved evacuation centers for victims of natural calamities.
Revillame has not shared his views on environmental issues.
Disinformation
In November 2020, Revillame debunked a social media quote card falsely claiming that he criticized former President Rodrigo Duterte’s inadequate response to natural calamities. He has not commented on disinformation as a larger national issue.
Infrastructure Development
Vera Files says that Revillame aims to modernize the agriculture sector to help farmers but has not disclosed concrete plans.
Youth and Culture
In October 2024, Revillame said that he aimed to make education free for all students. In 2020, Revillame announced that he would give away 1,000 tablets to facilitate students’ online learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2011, Revillame was embroiled in a child abuse case after he made a six-year-old boy perform a “macho dance” on his show. The Court of Appeals permitted his arrest and prosecution in October 2015, but his legal counsel revealed that he had already posted bail in 2013. Revillame said in a July 2024 TV interview that he had provided the victim with a house and education as reparations.
Sara Duterte Impeachment
Revillame said in a February 2025 press conference that he has yet to study the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. He also said that if he becomes a senator-judge in the impeachment trial, he would “follow the law.”
“I will not follow my emotions, or friendship kung kanino man. Ang susundin ko dito, kung ano ‘yong sinasabi ng batas at ebidensya,” he said in a press conference.
He previously said that he was invited by former President Duterte, the current vice president’s father, to join the PDP-Laban senatorial slate in the 2022 national elections, but Revillame declined due to contractual obligations as a show host.
Ahead of the midterm elections, Rolling Stone Philippines is taking a closer look at the Top 15 senatorial candidates based on the January 2025 surveys by polling firms Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia.
