Wilfredo Buendia Revillame
Wilfredo 'Willie' Buendia Revillame, born on January 27, 1960, is a popular Filipino television host, actor, and philanthropist running as an independent candidate for the 2025 Senate election. Known as 'Kuya Wil' to his audiences, Revillame has built his career hosting various game shows and variety programs, including Wowowee (2005-2010), Wil Time Bigtime (2010-2013), Wowowillie (2013-2014), Wowowin (2015-2023), and currently Wil To Win (2024-present). Throughout his television career, he has gained popularity for his charity work and for giving away cash prizes, jackets, and other items to contestants and audience members. He attended Centro Escolar University but did not complete his degree. In 2012, he attempted to enter politics through his 1-WIL SERVE party-list group, but the Commission on Elections disqualified the group. Former President Rodrigo Duterte previously invited him to run for the Senate in 2022, but Revillame declined due to contractual obligations with GMA Network. In January 2024, he initially expressed readiness to join Duterte's party for the 2025 elections but later backtracked and filed his candidacy as an independent candidate in October 2024.
Education
- Centro Escolar University (did not finish)
Career Highlights
- TV Host, Wil To Win (2024-present)
- TV Host, Wowowin (2015-2023)
- TV Host, Wowowillie (2013-2014)
- TV Host, Wil Time Bigtime (2010-2013)
- TV Host, Wowowee (2005-2010)
- TV Host, Lunch Date (late 1980s)
- CEO, WBR Entertainment Productions Corporation
Key Platforms
Charitable Governance
Promising to expand his philanthropic work from television to government, focusing on helping underprivileged Filipinos.
PWD and Senior Citizens Benefits
Pledging to increase discounts for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens on essential goods.
Free Education
Advocating for free education for all Filipino students, though without specific implementation details.
Healthcare Access
Stating the importance of good health to enable Filipinos to work properly, though without presenting specific healthcare policies.
Investment Promotion
Encouraging more investors to enter the Philippines to create more jobs and opportunities for Filipinos.
Track Record
Philanthropic Activities
Known for his charitable work during his television career, including giving away cash prizes and other items to contestants and audience members on his shows.
Disaster Relief Support
Participated in disaster relief efforts, particularly for victims of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009 and Mayon Volcano evacuees in 2023.
Failed Political Entry
Attempted to enter politics through the 1-WIL SERVE party-list group in 2012, but the group was disqualified by the Commission on Elections.
Electronics Distribution
Announced in 2020 that he would give away 1,000 tablets to facilitate students' online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Child Abuse Controversy
Faced a child abuse case after making a six-year-old boy perform a 'macho dance' on his show in 2011. The Court of Appeals permitted his arrest and prosecution in 2015, though his legal counsel stated he had already posted bail in 2013.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Has made vague statements about encouraging more investors to enter the Philippines to help more Filipinos, but has not articulated a comprehensive economic policy. |
| Education | Advocated for free education for all students, though without providing specific details on implementation or funding. |
| Healthcare | Emphasized the importance of good health to enable proper work, but has not presented detailed healthcare policies. |
| Environment | Has not articulated a clear stance on environmental issues, though has participated in relief efforts for natural disasters. |
| Labor | Has not made specific statements regarding labor policies or workers' rights. |
| Agriculture | According to media reports, he aims to modernize the agricultural sector to help farmers but has not disclosed concrete plans. |
| Governance | Criticized political 'bickering' among educated politicians, suggesting he would bring a 'good heart' to governance, but has not presented concrete anti-corruption or governance reform plans. |
| Foreign Policy | Has not taken public positions on foreign policy issues including the West Philippine Sea territorial disputes. |
| Charter Change | Has not made public statements regarding charter change. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Has not articulated a stance on LGBTQIA+ rights. |
| Drug War | Has not expressed a position on drug policies or the war on drugs. |
| Icc | Has not taken a public stance on ICC investigations. |
Sources & Citations
- https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/willie-revillame-runs-senator-2025/
- https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2024/10/16/2392948/willie-revillame-admits-having-no-platform-senate-bid-internet-users-react
- https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/02/22/2423349/willie-revillame-says-he-independent
- https://rollingstonephilippines.com/state-of-affairs/2025-philippine-elections-senatorial-primer-willie-revillame/
- https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/10/08/2391009/tv-host-willie-revillame-eyes-senate-seat
- https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2021/01/19/2071330/willies-charity-work-not-politically-motivated
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
