MANILA, Philippines – The lawyer-friend of controversial television host Willie Revillame on Sunday said legal repercussions might probably be discussed in Monday’s meeting between the “Wowowee” host and ABS-CBN bosses.

Lawyer Dexter Licuanan explained in his interview on radio dzMM’s “Chismax” that since Revillame is asking the Kapamilya network to release him from his contract, both parties might discuss if this is “legally feasible.”

“Meron iyang legal repercussions kasi ang services ni Willie as talent ng ABS-CBN, covered ng isang kontrata yan. I can imagine ang pag-uusapan nila, halimbawa po as far as Willie is concerned, to express his desire to be released from the network and to be released as a talent,” he said.

“I’m sure din concern din naman ng ABS-CBN kung ‘yong kanyang request ay mapagbibigyan within the parameters of the contract,” he added. “Halimbawa pagbibigyan nila si Willie…. baka mag-impose din ang ABS ng mga condition sa kanya. Hindi malabong mangyari ‘yon.”

Licuanan surmised that both parties will probably look for “a legal remedy to solve their problems.”

Licuanan refused to give further comment on the legal aspect of the controversy, saying it is up to the TV host and the management of ABS-CBN to settle the issue and reach an agreement.

He added that at this point the controversy is still “very sensitive.”

Willie’s letter

Almost 2 weeks ago, Revillame wrote ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III and president Charo Santos-Concio a letter to ask them to release him from his contract in light of the controversy involving him and entertainment journalist Jobert Sucaldito.

A copy of the letter dated May 12 was leaked to the media.

Licuanan said it was the TV host, who is on leave from “Wowowee,” himself who prepared the letter.

After reading it, the lawyer admitted that his impression was that Revillame was already feeling “frustrated” by controversies hounding him, especially those concerning his popular noontime show.

“Hindi mo rin siguro masisisi kasi kung iisipin mo ang personalidad ni Willie, he takes things too personally lalo na when it concerns ‘Wowowee.’ Kasi talagang mahal na mahal niya iyang programang ‘yan,” he said.

He noted that this is why Revillame becomes too sensitive when his show is being criticized by the media.

“Since he takes things too personally, ayaw niyang ilagay ang network in bad light. ‘Yon ang exact phrase na ginamit niya. Ayaw na niya [na dahil sa] ganitong controversy nagkakaroon ng strenuous relationship ‘yong programa niya at siya sa network at sa mga bigwig ng ABS-CBN,’ he said.

The lawyer noted that Revillame’s health is also at stake. “Dahil araw-araw niyang ginagawa ang programa niya, meron na siyang heart blockage. Siguro dahil sa stress at pressure din na kailangan niyang mag-perform.”

He said delivering the same amount of energy everyday “is bound to take its toll on any person.”

He said: “And I’m sure another underlining reason, there is the fact that he’s no longer happy. In the sense, ayaw niyang nagkakaroon ng samaan ng loob siya at ang mga management ng ABS-CBN.”

Seclusion

Licuanan said Revillame is now “in seclusion” to take a much needed rest.

As his friend, Licuanan advised Revillame to weigh all his options and to take into consideration all the legal implications of his decision.

The lawyer also reminded Revillame that he may have many critics, but he also has many supporters who are waiting for his return to “Wowowee.” He also urged him to pray in order to be enlightened.

In making his decision, he said what’s important is for Revillame to follow his heart and “to think what is best for you and your heath.”

“And kung anuman ang decision ni Mr. Willie Revillame, tulad ng maraming fans niya, I will also stand by his decision.”