PIA chief calls Tulfo a ‘superstar wannabe’ after outburst at DSWD’s Bautista

MANILA, Philippines—The director general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has tagged controversial radio personality Erwin Tulfo a “superstar wannabe” after he lashed out at Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista after he allegedly failed to grant him an interview.

In a Facebook post Friday, Harold Clavite, chief of the country’s primary development communications arm under the Presidential Communications Office, criticized Tulfo for publicly berating Bautista, a retired army general whom he regarded as “an image of excellent leadership in government.”

“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 wrote.

https://www.facebook.com/howieclavite/posts/838186386556609

He noted that having Tulfo as the next Press Secretary is “not only hallucinating but unpleasant and excruciating.”

READ: Erwin Tulfo ‘qualified’ to be Duterte’s ‘next press secretary’ – Andanar

“This kind of journalism is totally unheard of and I always wonder how some people in the industry get away with such misconduct and transgression,” Clavite said.

In one of the recent episodes of his show “Tutok Tulfo,” the controversial broadcaster appeared furious after Bautista supposedly did not take his call for an interview.

“Sino ba tong buang na ito? Pasensya na, maski tao ka ni Pangulong Duterte, lelecture-an na kita. Listen up and listen good,” Tulfo said.

“Tinatawagan ka namin para marining ng kababayang mahihirap ang stand ng mga mahihirap. Hindi yung sasabihan niyo kami na sumulat muna kayo five days before. Sino ka bang punyeta ka na kailangan ko pang sumulat sayo? Sagutin mo yung telepono mo dahil Secretary ka ng DSWD! Gustong marinig ng mga kababayan natin anong magagawa mo para sa kanila,” he went on.

Tulfo, known for his tough-talking persona, even threatened to slap the retired army general.

The remarks of Tulfo did not sit well active and retired soldiers.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)

READ: Active, retired soldiers defend DSWD’s Bautista after Tulfo outburst