DSWD chief sets terms for accepting Tulfo’s apology

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista is prepared to accept broadcaster Erwin Tulfo’s apology under certain conditions.

In a statement, Bautista said that to show his sincerity, Tulfo needed to publish his apology in half page ads in leading newspapers. He was also asked to take out radio ads for the same, and to post his apology on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Donations to 19 groups

Bautista, a retired general and former Army chief, also tasked Tulfo to donate at least P300,000 each to 19 charities and organizations he identified.

These organizations include the Philippine Military Academy; The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc.; The Association of Generals and Flag Officers; The First Scout Ranger Regiment, PA; The Special Forces Regiment, PA; The Light Reaction Regiment, PA; The Philippine National Police Special Action Force; The Philippine Naval Special Operations Group, PN; The Philippine Marines Special Operations Group, PN; The Philippine National Police Maritime Group; The Trust Fund for the City of Marawi’s Internally Displaced Persons to be administered by DSWD Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; 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 Coast Guard General Hospital; and an educational trust fund for the deserving children of DSWD employees.

Tulfo earlier ranted against Bautista on a state-run radio program when the DSWD secretary was not able to grant Tulfo’s request for an on-air interview. He called Bautista “useless” and threatened to slap him.

Surrender firearms

Tulfo has apologized at least twice over the incident, following harsh backlash from the military and police community. Tulfo, who campaigned hard for number one party list winner ACT-CIS, has also had his security detail pulled due to his outburst.

The Philippine National Police has also ordered Tulfo to surrender his firearms for temporary safekeeping, after his license to own and possess firearms expired in May.

PNP spokesperson Col. Bernard Banac said they sent the notice with an open deadline to Tulfo’s last known address on Thursday.