President Duterte spilled the beans Wednesday, Dec. 22 on the reason why popular television personality Willie Revillame turned down his offer to join the administration Senate slate.
Duterte was speaking to typhoon "Odette" victims in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte when he suddenly remembered that he was with "Kuya Will". The Chief Executive then candidly told the story about Revillame's unrealized foray into politics.
"Ah, I forgot to mention that Willie Revillame is here," he said in Bisaya.
"I asked him to run as senator before, but he refused because it would affect his television show and he might lose his source of income because when you’re campaigning, all you do is spend, but you don’t earn," Duterte said.
Duterte and Revillame were in Siargao Wednesday to give a semblance of hope and joy to local residents, who over the weekend bore the brunt of typhoon "Odette". The typhoon caused extensive damage to the island, which is a popular tourist destination.
"He refused to run but he also told me, 'Whatever you do, Mayor' --- don’t be surprised because I don’t call myself 'President'. The people call me mayor. If you call me President, I won’t respond. So that’s why you should just call me mayor," Duterte narrated.
"So he told me, 'Mayor, I will help you, I will go with you but not for politics.' Because he refused to run. He just wants to entertain the people because he’s quite popular," he added. Duterte didn't mention which election year he was referring to.
The Chief Executive described Revillame as "one of the most generous people" he knows.
"He wants to give back to the people because his fame is from the people, somewhat like politics," Duterte said.