Willie Revillame chided for “Ondoy” donation

It’s not what you do but the way that you do it.

Although “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame pledged a million-peso cash donation to “Ondoy” (international code name Ketsana) victims upon the on-air coaxing of ABS-CBN anchors Kim Atienza and Tina Monzon-Palma, not a few still criticized him for his apparent hesitation.

In that “Wowowee” segment aired Sept. 28, Revillame laughed and scratched his head when Palma wheedled him about donating for the cause.

“Nagbabalita lang ako dito eh,” he said, laughing.

Then Revillame backtracked, saying, “Pero andito na rin lang (grinning), tutal nilagay mo na rin lang ako sa sitwasyon eh, magbibigay na ako ng 1 million…1 million worth ng mineral water (laughs) hindi… cash, 1 million cash.”

Turning serious, Willie faced the camera and said, “From my heart, galing po sa akin, 1 million para sa mga Kapamilya natin.”

Though heartily applauded by studio audiences, including Palma and Atienza, Revillame was booed by some of those watching the show from their homes as evidenced by chides in several online fora.

“Parang ayaw magbigay…nagpapilit pa,” said one.

“Konti naman ng binigay! Mukhang napilitan…ang yaman yaman naman nya eh,” chimed another.

“Kuripot. Pero kaya bumili ng eroplano,” added one.

Revillame isn’t the only good Samaritan who’s getting censured even after extending a helping hand to the “Ondoy” victims.

Sen. Manny Villar, who happens to be a close friend of Revillame's, was also panned by critics for the relief goods he distributed with Willie to residents of Marikina, Pasig, and Cainta on Sept. 27.

Web-based social networking sites like Plurk and Twitter exploded with disparaging statements about the relief goods which allegedly had the note “Tulong Mula Kay Manny Villar” plastered on the packaging. Below the message was a “check” mark—Villar’s campaign sign.

“Naisipan pang mag-campaign while donating!? Disgusting!” posted one.
“People are dying and all he wants is to get elected. Despicable!” twitted another.
“(I) Still can't believe that some politicians are taking advantage of what happened...grabe...nakakahiya sila... Manny Villar nakakahiya ka!” added one.
A representative from Villar’s office denied they had the note or Villar’s name on the relief goods that were distributed, claiming “it is all just black propaganda."