Bautista to Tulfo: Prove sincerity, apologize thru various media platforms

DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines —  Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista finally broke his silence Friday and asked Erwin Tulfo to prove the sincerity of his apology by admitting his mistake through various media platforms as well as donating P300,000 to select institutions.

In a statement, the former Army chief said he would accept the radio personality’s apology if he admits his mistake by publishing them in major newspapers, on radio stations, and in his social media accounts.

Bautista, at the same time, thanked his supporters as well as those who sympathized with him.

“Tinatanggap ko ang paghingi ng paumanhin ni Ginoong Erwin T. Tulfo alinsunod sa mga nakatakda na kailangan niyang gampanan sa lalong madaling panahon upang mapatunayan ang kanyang katapatan,” Bautista said.

“Hihingi ng paumanhin si Ginoong Erwin T. Tulfo na ipapalabas niya sa mga pangunahing dyaryo sa sukat na hindi liliit sa kalahating pahina na kaniyang babayaran. Ipapalabas din niya itong paghingi ng paumanhin sa social media platforms katulad ng: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram at Youtube at sa mga estasyon ng radio katulad ng: DZBB, DZMM, Radio Singko News FM 92.3, DZRH at DZRB,” he added.

Instead of paying him for damages to his reputation, Bautista said Tulfo should donate P300,000 to all institutions where he is and had been part of.

“Magbibigay siya ng donasyon sa halagang hindi bababa sa tatlong daang libong piso P300,000) sa lahat ng mga sumusunod sa halip ng pambayad ng danyos o bayad-pinsala sa pagkawasak ng aking pagkatao, reputasyon at pati na rin ng mga institusyon na aking kinatawanan o naging kaanib,” said Bautista.

The institutions he enumerated are the following: Philippine Military Academy; The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Incorporated; The Association of Generals and Flag Officers; The First Scout Ranger Regiment, Philippine Army; The Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Philippine Army; The Light Reaction Regiment, Philippine Army;

The Philippine National Police Special Action Force; The Philippine Naval Special Operations Group, Philippine Navy; The Philippine Marines Special Operations Group, Philippine Navy; The Philippine National Police Maritime Group;

The Trust Fund for the City of Marawi’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to be administered by DSWD-BARMM; The Philippine Veterans Hospital; The AFP Victoriano Luna Medical Center; The Philippine National Police Camp Crame General Hospital; The Philippine Army General Hospital; The Philippine Navy General Hospital; The Philippine Air Force General Hospital; The Philippine Coastguard General Hospital; and An Educational Trust Fund for the deserving children of DSWD employees to be deposited at the Landbank.

READ: Albayalde: I was also hurt by Tulfo’s remarks on DSWD Secretary Bautista

Tulfo earlier drew the ire of many with his on-air tirades against the retired Army chief whom he called crazy. Tulfo even threatened to slap Bautista for not granting his request for a live interview on his radio program.

READ: Tulfo issues new apology after backlash for tirades vs DSWD chief

READ: PNP: Tulfo rant led to guards’ recall

Tulfo’s outburst led to the recall of  police escorts assigned to him and his brothers. The Philippine National Police has also ordered the surrender of Tulfo’s firearms, saying his license to own and possess firearms already expired in May.

READ: PNP orders Erwin Tulfo to surrender firearms

(Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)