Robin Padilla draws flak over hosting job

Robin Padilla takes over the job of Willie Revillame, who is on leave, on "Wowowee." Photo by Allan F. Sancon

MANILA, Philippines - Action star Robin Padilla on Tuesday defended himself from some viewers who disapprove of him as Willie Revillame’s replacement on “Wowowee.”

Padilla took over the job of Revillame on Saturday after the latter took a leave of absence two weeks ago. Revillame has threatened to resign if the bosses of ABS-CBN refused to kick Jobert Sucaldito out of the network.

In Tuesday’s episode of “Wowowee,” Padilla disclosed that many people are not pleased with him hosting the popular noontime show. The action star even apologized to them, but he stressed that he is merely trying to help out.

"Gusto ko lang ipaalam sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan sa buong mundo na ako ay nandito dahil sa ugali nating Filipino na bayanihan. Tumutulong lang ako upang ang programang ito ay manatili na nasa inyo at nagpapaligaya," Padilla explained.

He also reminded them that his stint as a “Wowowee” host is only temporary.

"Alam ninyo po ako ay nandito sa ‘Wowowee’ hindi bilang isang nagta-trabaho, kung hindi ako panandalian lamang,” he said.

Padilla is still learning the ropes of hosting. He gets a lot of help from his female co-hosts, particularly Pokwang, Mariel Rodriguez and Valerie Concepcion.