ULTRA Stampede

MANILA, Philippines – Saying they were misled into thinking they had a case, survivors and relatives of those killed in the “Wowowee” stampede yesterday called for the resignation of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez for allowing the television show’s host, Willie Revillame, to go scot-free.

“I clearly remember the secretary telling us at the Department of Justice that those who are guilty should be held accountable. He gave us hope and we believed him. We trusted you, Mr. Secretary, but now, you should resign!” an emotional Alicia Castelo said in Filipino.

She and over 20 others went to the Volunteers against Crime and Corruption (VACC) office in Manila to air their sentiments against Gonzalez.

Castelo, 64, was one of those injured during the Feb. 4, 2006 stampede at the PhilSports Arena (formerly Ultra) in Pasig City. More than 70 people were killed and over 200 others hurt in the incident. The stampede occurred while people were lining up to get inside the arena to watch the first anniversary presentation of “Wowowee,” a game show on ABS-CBN hosted by Revillame.

Gonzalez last week dismissed the complaint against Revillame who was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries. In his resolution, the justice secretary said Revillame should not be blamed because his invitation to the crowd was not the “proximate” but rather the remote cause of the stampede.

Castelo, however, claimed it was Revillame’s “invitation” that encouraged thousands to line up at the arena days before the anniversary show.

“This is very unfair. These people are just asking for an investigation,” said Dante Jimenez, VACC founding chair.
“Revillame is an accessory because as the host, he made people trust in the show. Why should he be absolved?” he added.

Jimenez said the VACC would file a motion for reconsideration in court.