ULTRA Stampede

MANILA, Philippines – Television host Wilfredo “Willie” Revillame was cleared of criminal liability in the February 2006 stampede that killed 71 people and injured hundreds.

The incident happened during the anniversary celebration of Revillame’s noontime variety show “Wowowee” at the PhilSports Arena (formerly Ultra) in Pasig City.

In an Aug. 22 resolution, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez dismissed the complaint against Revillame for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries. The decision was prompted by Revillame’s petition to review a resolution in October 2006 of government prosecutors recommending the filing of criminal charges against the TV host and 16 other persons.

Revillame filed the petition independently of his 16 other co-respondents that included Ma. Rosario “Charo” Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. vice president for entertainment; Ma. Socorro Vidanes, senior vice president for TV production; Marilou Almaden, executive producer; and Cipriano Luspo, assistant vice president and head of security.

Gonzalez said Revillame’s invitation to people to attend the Wowowee anniversary show was not the “proximate” but rather the remote cause of the stampede. He said the crowds that responded to Revillame’s invitation did not automatically lead to the stampede.

“The invitation was not, so to speak, the spark that eventually led to the explosion... More importantly, not by any stretch of the imagination can the act of Revillame, by itself, naturally and adequately lead to the stampede that killed 71 people and injured hundreds more,” he said.

The justice secretary also said Revillame’s invitation was aired during three pre-taped episodes before the show. The host could not have known that the crowd outside the arena was already massive and, hence, did not recklessly add to the congestion, Gonzalez said.

About 30,000 people waited outside the show’s venue although the Wowowee staff allegedly announced only 17,000 people would be allowed inside. When the crowd became uncontrollable, guards closed the gate, but the mob pushed forward. Some people fell to the ground and were trampled on and killed or injured.

Revillame’s lawyer, Dexter Lacuanan, told the Inquirer that Revillame was “humbled” by what happened. “He would also like to thank the people who stood by him and supported him throughout this whole ordeal.”

Lacuanan added: “He also prays for the people behind the show who remain respondents to this case, and also wishes to express to the loved ones of those who perished or were hurt in the stampede that they remain his inspiration whenever he performs.”