Will Willie return to "Wowowee"?

CEBU, Philippines - Apparently, not anytime soon. In a statement from ABS-CBN, “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame will be staying out of the limelight until September 20. The extended leave of absence was decided upon by both ABS-CBN and MTRCB so that the controversial TV personality could address the issues made against him.

The official statement reads: “In the interest of self-regulation, ABS-CBN has availed of the conciliation process under Section 6, Rule 7, of the MTRCB Rules of Procedures, regarding the incidents involving Mr. Willie Revillame in the program Wowowee. After having considered the facts, issues and terms of self-regulation to be imposed in the pertinent cases, the MTRCB has approved the same.

“Whereof, the ABS-CBN shall undertake to perform the following: (1) Extend Mr. Revillame’s leave until 20 September 2009, and (2) remove the present dance segment of Luningning and Saicy Aguila.

“Further, ABS-CBN reiterates that it is fully aware of its legal and moral responsibilities as a broadcaster and shall undertake to continue to uphold the values and customs of the Filipino viewing public.”

Revillame went on an “indefinite leave” shortly after he drew flak for asking to stop video inserts of Cory Aquino’s cortege on the show’s August 3 episode.