Willie Revillame has no right to end his contract with ABS-CBN.
This was the message that the Kapamilya network pointed out in its official statement regarding Willie's pronouncements during his press conference earlier today, August 9, at Annabel's restaurant. (CLICK HERE to read related story.)
According to the statement sent by ABS-CBN Corporate Communications Head Bong Osorio to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), the TV host is "bound to ABS-CBN by a contract until September 2011." It also said that Willie "violated the behavioral provisions of his contract when he threatened the ABS-CBN management during the May 4, 2010 episode of Wowowee, with a resignation if management does not fire another artist of the network."
Willie's behavior, according to the statement, "was generally seen as a display of disrespect and arrogance, completely unacceptable to the Filipino public."
ABS-CBN stressed that it is "the aggrieved party" and, therefore, "it is the only one that can decide to end the agreement."
OFFICIAL STATEMENT. Here is the official statement of ABS-CBN in full:
"We take note of Willie Revillame's pronouncements in his press conference today.
"Willie is bound to ABS-CBN by a contract until September 2011. He violated the behavioral provisions of his contract when he threatened the ABS-CBN management during the May 4, 2010 episode of Wowowee, with a resignation if management does not fire another artist of the network. His behavior was generally seen as a display of disrespect and arrogance, completely unacceptable to the Filipino public.
"As the one who violated his contract, Willie has no right to have it unilaterally invalidated. Contracts are binding agreements that must be respected by the contracting parties involved. The one who violates the contract cannot be allowed to dictate whether it should continue or end. Otherwise, contracts will have no value and may be terminated based on whim.
"ABS-CBN is the aggrieved party, and as such, is the only one that can decide to end the agreement.
"Despite all that had happened, ABS-CBN was willing to continue with the contract. Willie however, refused to take responsibility for his actions.
"ABS-CBN wishes to reiterate that it will hold Willie to his obligations under the contract which expires September 2011."