More advertisers pull out from 'Willing Willie'

MANILA, Philippines - Two more multinational firms have pulled out their advertising placements on the TV5 show “Willing Willie” after the network and television host Willie Revillame were criticized for alleged child abuse in the show’s March 12 episode.

Video clips uploaded on Youtube show Revillame egging on a six-year-old boy into imitating a “macho dancer.” The boy, who performed with tears streaming down his cheeks, received P10,000.

Del Monte Pacific Ltd. and Procter & Gamble Philippines followed the example of Jollibee Foods Corp., which earlier this week had withdrawn the ad placement of one of its food chains, Mang Inasal, pending the results of an investigation by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

“We have suspended advertising on the show beginning April 7, 2011, while the incident is being reviewed and investigated by authorities,” P&G said in a statement.

The MTRCB is expected to decide today on the fate of the show, according to ABS-CBN. Board chairwoman Grace Poe-Llamanzares said suspension is one option they are considering.

The Commission on Human Rights and the Department of Social Welfare and Development earlier said the incident is a clear case of child abuse.

The Office of the President’s National Youth Commission has issued a resolution saying that Revillame “must be reprimanded, held liable for his misdemeanor and be asked to issue a public statement acknowledging his lack of sensitivity on this whole incident.”