MANILA, Philippines (Updated 12:53 p.m.) — Broadcast journalist-turned-politician Erwin Tulfo is hoping to join his brother Sen. Raffy Tulfo in the Senate, as he filed his certificate of candidacy on Sunday, October 6, before the Commission on Elections.
Tulfo is running under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” senatorial slate.
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Marcos previously named Tulfo secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), but his appointment was rejected by the Commission on Appointments.
“Ang susunod kong ipapakilala sa inyo ay isang public servant na noon ay madalas kong masabihan na ama ng saklolo kasi ang unang bukambibig ng mamamayan ay ‘i-Tulfo mo,’” Marcos said in introducing Tulfo at the alliance's September 26 launch event. (The next person I will introduce is a public servant who was often called the ‘father of aid’ because people would always say, ‘You can Tulfo it.’)
Political career. After his short stint at the DSWD, Tulfo continued his public service as a representative of the ACT-CIS Partylist in the House of Representatives.
Like his brother Raffy, Erwin is known for his fiery style of public engagement in broadcasting, which has garnered him a strong following on social media. His Facebook page alone has over 6.6 million followers, suggesting his broad appeal and household name status.
The catchphrase “I-Tulfo mo” (Take it to Tulfo) has become synonymous with seeking immediate action and redress for public complaints.
Popularity. Erwin has consistently ranked among the top 12 candidates in various senatorial preference surveys, including those conducted by Pulse Asia.
Family ties. Erwin's brother, Ben Tulfo also filed his COC for senator.
If successful in their Senate bid, the upper chamber will see three Tulfos, growing the family's influence in both the media and political arenas.
Pro-poor platform. Asked for his unique selling proposition compared to his brother, Erwin responded that he is advocating for the poverty allevation which include the middle class, professionals and ordinary Filipinos.
"Pro-poor ang plataporma lagi namin. But this time, we have marching orders from the administration to continue yung mga programs ng pamahalaan, poverty alleviation, etc...pero we always forget the ones in the middle...yung mga middle class yung mga uring manggawa," Erwin said.
(Our platform is always pro-poor. But this time, we have marching orders from the administration to continue the programs of the government, poverty alleviation, etc... but we always forget the ones in the middle. Those in the middle class and working class.)
"I think it's also time to look [out for] yung mga kababayan nating hindi masyadong napapansin, yung mga nasa middle....siguro yung mga sinisigaw nila yung sa higher wages, more benefits...na I will also introduce if there's a chance, 'yung mga benefits ng mga nagtratrabaho sa private sector," he added.
(I think it's also time to look out for our fellow citizens who are overloooked, the ones in the middle. Maybe they are calling for higher wages and more benefits...that I will also introduce if there's a chance, the benefits of those working in the private sector) — With reports from Ian Laqui