Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista (right) and Erwin Tulfo. FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines — The scolding of journalist Erwin Tulfo against Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista in a radio show was a factor in the recall of his state security escorts, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde said Monday.
Albayalde made this remark after he said that the “good moral character” of an individual is a factor on whether or not to recall the security detail provided by the government.
Albayalde, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala Class 1986, likewise explained that having state security detail is a privilege and not a right to any individual.
“These are all but privileges that are extended, and these privileges can always be revoked anytime. Especially so may nangyari na ganyan. Of course hindi ‘yun ang basic reason but that is a factor also of course, on the behavior of the person,” Albayalde said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.
“It’s a review. Kung ikaw nagbibigay ka ng security detail sa isang tao and yet ikaw mismo ang tinitira niya, then what would you feel?” Albayalde added, citing that the privilege to having security personnel should not be abused.
“There should also be a sense of balance, respect, and responsibility. Imagine if you are giving protection to a person at ikaw ang kinakalaban niya, what would you do? Parang binigyan mo siya ng baril at ikaw mismo ang kinakalaban niya,” he further said.
Erwin Tulfo earned the criticism of some members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other personalities for berating Bautista on air in one of the recent episodes of his “Tutok Tulfo” show. Tulfo even went on saying he would plunge Bautista’s face to the toilet.
READ: Active, retired soldiers defend DSWD’s Bautista after Tulfo outburst
He later apologized, but maintained that as a journalist, he has the right to criticize public officials.
READ: Tulfo apologizes for ‘excessive’ berating of DSWD’s Bautista
“It’s a normal process. It’s a coincidence probably, but that is one of the factors also. Hindi lang ‘yun naman ang main factor,” Albayalde said.
Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, director of PNP-Police Security and Protection Group, also said that the recall for evaluation of the security detail is a regular activity of the police unit to any individual who has police escorts.
(Editor: Julie Espinosa)