Broadcaster apologizes for rants vs DSWD chief

MANILA, Philippines — Radio broadcaster Erwin Tulfo apologized yesterday for the unwarranted rants and foul language he used in his radio program against Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista, who did not grant him an interview.  

But Tulfo insisted that it is his “right” as a journalist to criticize government officials, adding he won’t take back his criticisms against Bautista.

Tulfo is a brother of another journalist Ramon Tulfo, whose appointment by President Duterte as special envoy for public diplomacy to China has been renewed for another six months.

Erwin and another brother Ben were earlier involved in controversy when their sister, former tourism secretary Wanda Teo, was accused of corruption over television advertisements posted by the Department of Tourism on Ben Tulfo’s public service program at state-run PTV 4.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) director general Harold Clavite yesterday criticized Erwin Tulfo for insulting on air Bautista, retired Army commanding general and now secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Clavite rallied support for Bautista after Tulfo lambasted the DSWD chief on air when the latter refused to be interviewed on government-run Radyo Pilipinas in connection with  the recently signed Magna Carta for the Poor.

“General Bautista is a Marawi warrior a man of character, integrity and professionalism. I have worked with him in Marawi and in the Philippine Army’s multi-sector advisory board. His leadership is meritorious and highly exceptional,” Clavite said in his Facebook account.

“To be berated in public by a pretentious and poisonous media personality whose only leverage is his last name and airtime in government radio is complete nullity. Gen. Bautista is a blazing star, way incomparable from this superstar wannabe,” Clavite said.

Bautista belongs to Philippine Military Academy Sandiwa Class of 1985. A seasoned military man, he was also the overall ground commander when terrorists attacked Marawi City in 2017.

“I have so much respect for this man. He is an image of excellent leadership in government,” Clavite added.    

When he was with the military, Bautista earned the respect of his colleagues as he rose through the ranks and became a seasoned counter-terrorism commander.

Bautista was the commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion from 2005 to 2007. He also served as chief of the unified command staff of the Northern Luzon Command based in Tarlac from February 2012 to October 2013 before holding key posts in the present administration. – With Jaime Laude