Willie Revillame's wife seeks permanent protection order

Liz Almoro-Revillame, estranged wife of TV host Willie Revillame, pursued on Monday her petition for a permanent protection order (PPO) against her husband at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. The comedian, however, did not show up at the preliminary conference, preferring to send only his legal counsel. Branch 89 Judge Elsa de Guzman conducted the closed-door conference attended by Revillame's wife, with her legal counsel, Katrina Legarda. Revillame was represented by his legal counsel, Armando Marcelo. The hearing is part of proceedings in a petition filed by the wife to have their marriage annulled. Branch clerk of court Marcial Makasiar explained what a PPO is, saying: "Under Republic Act 9262 (Violence against Women and Their Children), once a PPO is issued, the person who is the subject of the PPO would be prohibited from communicating with the petitioner. He is also prohibited from going near the petitioner at a given radius and give financial support to their child, if they have any." Earlier, Legarda revealed that her client was suffering from "battered-wife syndrome" but refused to elaborate due to the gag order issued by the court. Makasiar said that Revillame could execute a special power of attorney that would authorize his legal counsel to represent him in the proceedings. But he did not say why Revillame failed to attend the hearing. He also refused to reveal the issues discussed during the conference, but said it was not meant for mediation or for the settlement of the case. Almoro was pursuing her prayer in her petition the issuance of permanent protection order (PPO) against Revillame when she testified during the hearing last week. Several witnesses have also reportedly submitted their sworn statements in support of Almoro’s testimony in court. Makasiar explained that a PPO would be issued once the court has determined the propriety of the issues raised by the petitioner. He added that effectivity of the temporary protection order (TPO) earlier issued by the court may be renewed for another 30 days, until such time that the matters on the issuance of the PPO has already been resolved. GMANews.TV