Is Willie Really leaving Wowowee??

Is Willie really saying goodbye to ABS-CBN?

Could it be true that Willie Revillame has decided to leave ABS-CBN — that is, as soon as he is released from his contract?

Funfare’s Bohol Avenue DPA said that last Friday Willie sent a letter to the ABS-CBN management requesting that his contract, which is good until 2011, be rescinded.

Apparently, Willie was disappointed that the company didn’t even come to his defense, or at least issue an official statement, while he was caught in “a firestorm” generated by his on-the-air tantrum on Wowowee two weeks ago when clips of former Pres. Cory Aquino’s casket while being moved from La Salle to the Manila Cathedral was inserted on the show.

Linggit Tan, head of the ABS-CBN TV Entertainment, has remained intriguingly quiet when she is said to know the whole story that’s reportedly “self-incriminating” (whatever that means) — you know, who really was behind that controversial “insert” that made Willie blow his top on-cam?

It was only Johnny “Mr. M.” Manahan, head of the ABS-CBN Star Magic and Wowowee director, who has come to Willie’s defense, not really exonerating Willie of what the public perceived to be a “disrespectful” behavior but giving a logical explanation of what led to it.

ABS-CBN is usually fast on the draw when defending its contract stars, such as when Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby got involved in a “gender” issue, but in the case of Willie the company seems to be keeping a no-comment stance.

Funfare tried to call Willie to comment on whether he’s “resigning” from Wowowee or asking to be released from his contract but he ”cannot be reached.”

Willie has been “missing” from Wowowee for more than a week now and the show is simply not the same without him. I understand it was Willie himself who requested to go on leave...indefinitely?