Television host and senatorial aspirant Willie Revillame donated P3 million to Angat Buhay Foundation chairperson and former vice president Leni Robredo to help the victims of Typhoon Kristine in the Bicol region.
Former vice president and Angat Buhay Foundation chairperson Leni Robredo (right) receives the P3-million donation from TV host and senatorial aspirant Willie Revillame (right) for Typhoon Kristine victims in Naga City. Also in the photo is Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado. (Photo from Willie Revillame's office)
The TV host, who personally handed the check to Robredo in the presence of Camarines Sur 3rd district Rep. Gabriel Bordado, said they immediately went to Bicol to hand over their donation.
Revillame, known for his hit noontime shows and is now gunning for a senatorial seat in next year’s polls, explained that Bicolanos are close to his heart since his mother is from Naga.
In a video of the handover of the check, the TV host explained why he wanted to help the typhoon’s victims.
“Hindi naman ako namimili ng lugar. Kung ano man iyong masasalanta ng bagyo ay kung pupwede tulungan, tulungan (I don’t choose places. Whatever place was devastated by the typhoon and needs help, then I will help),” he said.
Revillame even offered to personally distribute relief goods with Robredo and her Angat Buhay volunteers.
“Gusto ko makidamay sa ating mga kababayan (I want to sympathize with my fellowmen),” he added.
The Manila Teachers Partylist also contributed to the donation.
“It was at the height of the storm in Bicol when I and the Manila Teachers Partylist decided to help our kababayans in Bicolandia,” he shared.
For her part, Robredo thanked Revillame during their meeting.
In a publicized video, the former vice president shared that they are aware of the TV host’s work in helping “quietly.”
“Sobrang grateful kami, sobrang honored kami nandito siya in person para ipaabot ang kanyang tulong (We are very grateful, we are very honored that he’s here in person to personally extend his help),” Robredo said.
Kaya Natin, the good governance organization founded by the late Interior secretary Jesse Robredo, raised P28.3 million through Angat Buhay’s fundraising for the victims of Typhoon Kristine in Naga.