Gabby Lopez on Willie Revillame issue: "Stars come and go, but the institution stays.

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By: Noel Orsal

ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez

III met with the network's stockholders today,
May 27. One of the topics reportedly discussed
was the controversy surrounding Wowowee
host, Willie Revillame (inset).

Bong Godinez

The issue involving Wowowee host Willie

Revillame concerns even those who are sitting
in the boardroom, ABS-CBN reports.

Talking before the network's group of

shareholders, ABS-CBN head honcho Eugenio
"Gabby" Lopez III addressed the controversy
during a stockholders meeting held earlier
today, May 27, at the Dolphy Theater.

One of the network's partners reportedly raised the negative financial impact of Revillame's
recent conduct during the open forum.

"There are ongoing discussions now with Willie and we prefer to keep these discussions at this
point between ourselves and Willie," Lopez replied.

The ABS-CBN top honcho acknowledged the business repercussions brought by the incident.
Dealing with a talents behavior, both positive and negative, "goes with the territory" added the
network executive.

"So we will take into consideration the wide variety of factors that are involved in dealing with
stars like Willie. He is not the first or the last star that will reflect this kind of behavior,"
continued Lopez.

The controversy started after Willie asked his home network to release him following a rift with
reporter and radio anchor Jobert Sucaldito. Revillame accused Sucaldito of making negative
comments against him and Wowowee contestants.
A compromise was reportedly reached by Willie and ABS-CBN management last Monday, May
24. Willie will take an "indefinite leave" from the popular noontime variety show although his
contractual obligation with the network stands.

"These decisions will be made in the proper time. I think the best decision we made is for both
Willie and I to decide that, for the interim, we will both keep silent about what's going on, and
these discussions will be made in the course of the next several months," Lopez told the
stockholders.

Lopez, likewise, made the most of the occasion by issuing a stern reminder to the network's
stable of talents while at the same time comforting its business partners: "Stars come and go, but
the institution stays."