CABINET ADDITION | Amid criticisms, Tulfo to prioritize elderly, PWDs as DSWD chief

May 31, 2022 , 01:00 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(May 31, 2022) – An advocacy group on Monday expressed apprehension toward the appointment of veteran broadcaster Erwin Tulfo as the next secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the administration of President-elect Bongbong Marcos Jr.

Jean Enriquez, the executive director of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific, stressed that the appointment should have been “based on merits, not patronage.” Enriquez was also concerned about how Tulfo will approach cases of abuse and exploitation handled by the DSWD.

“Mr. Marcos insults us all development workers, especially those who have been working for the rights and welfare of women and children, by naming a man as DSWD (secretary) who has no known background on gender-responsive, rights-based, and survivor-centered approaches,” said Enriquez.

Tulfo was one of the latest additions to the Cabinet of Marcos who will be sworn in on June 30. He was the fourth nominee of ACT-CIS, which got three seats in the House of Representatives. His older brother, Raffy Tulfo, was elected as senator after placing third in his maiden foray into public office.

The younger Tulfo said he wants to propose a higher cash aid for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs), possibly setting the amount at P1,500. He assured that he will also continue the programs of the DSWD under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I will give an instruction na bubuksan ‘yung gate at papasukin ‘yung mga tao ‘pag kailangan ng tulong ng mga nagugutom at medical assistance—papasukin at kausapin. Magtatayo ako ng hotline o (Facebook) page na puwede sila magreklamo,” said Tulfo on One PH’s Sa Totoo Lang.

Currently, Tulfo serves as a news anchor for the state-run PTV4. He also touted the public service programs he hosted alongside his brothers for some years. But while he has been lauded by some camps for his stern approach, Tulfo has also been embroiled in controversies.

In 2020, he faced a cyberlibel complaint about his post against a former councilor in Pampanga. He was also declared persona non grata in Dapitan “for mocking, insulting, and demeaning” the city in a press briefing.

In 2019, he drew flak for publicly berating former DSWD secretary Rolando Bautista when the official was unable to accept his request for an interview on his radio program. Tulfo eventually apologized for threatening to slap Bautista, a former commanding general of the Philippine Army, whom he also described as “crazy.”

In 2008, he was charged with four counts of libel for his columns attacking the Bureau of Customs.

Tulfo assured that his family’s public service initiatives will continue as they perform their capacities as public officials. He also saw his appointment as a means to possibly help more people.

“Mas marami siguro tayo matulungan na tao wider in scope ‘pag meron tayong mas magandang puwesto para makatulong. Kasi limited din ‘yung resources namin sa ACT-CIS Party-List,” said Tulfo.

(PM)

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