ABS-CBN Seeks TRO vs. Willie Revillame

Manila, Philippines - ABS-CBN Corporation Tuesday asked the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) and a writ of preliminary injunction against Willie Revillame to stop him from committing further violations to his contract with the network by launching his much-hyped show “Willing Willie” on TV5.

In a 38-page petition, ABS-CBN appealed to the court to restrain Willie from creating or performing work similar to the work under the agreement of any person or entity in direct competition with the business of ABS-CBN and from engaging in activities which are adverse to the interests of ABS-CBN.

Furthermore, ABS-CBN sought the court to prevent Willie from appearing or using his name, voice or likeness, directly or indirectly, for promoting any product or service in print, radio, or television or any form of advertisement and committing any act which jeopardizes the success of the program or which may affect the good name and goodwill of ABS-CBN.

ABS-CBN cited Willie’s much-publicized signing up as talent of Associated Broadcasting Company, wherein he would create and perform in a show that is very similar to the defunct "Wowowee" on ABS-CBN. Revillame reportedly was hands-on in the creation and conceptualization of the variety and game show "Willing-Willie."

ABS-CBN also cited the official statement issued by ABC's TV5 last September 17 confirming that Revillame has signed a contract with the network to host a variety and game show, which is very similar to what the TV host used to peform in "Wowowee" on ABS-CBN.

ABS-CBN also asserted that Revillame is bound to comply with his current obligations under the agreement he signed with the Kapamilya network.

While the court has not decided on the judicial rescission case filed by Revillame, the TV host decided to enter a new contract and agree to perform in new shows.

"Revillame's actions show that he has decided for himself that he can do as he pleases despite the Honorable Court's taking cognizance of the issues," ABS-CBN stated in the petition.

In a statement from ABS-CBN Corporate Communication Head Bong Osorio, when Revillame chose to ignore his contract with the Kapamilya network, they were left with no choice but to ask the courts to intervene.

“The issue on Willie Revillame is all about honoring a contract. To ABS-CBN, it is not only the ethical and right thing to do. It is a noble act of a person or a company that values honesty and integrity. These values are reflected in the way we do business in ABS-CBN. We honor what we say and we expect our people, talents and partners to reciprocate the trust and honor we give them,” said Osorio.

“If a person or company gives honor and respect to a contract, conflicts can be avoided. Just like in a family, do you walkout simply because your attention was called?” he added.

Revillame violated the behavioral provisions of his contract when he threatened the ABS-CBN management during the 4 May 2010 episode of Wowowee, with a resignation if management did not fire another artist of the network

After weeks of hiatus, Willie resurfaced publicly and called for a press conference to announce that he is rescinding his contract with ABS-CBN.

ABS-CBN maintains that they are the aggrieved party, and as such, should be the only one that can decide to end their agreement.