Erwin Tulfo: ‘If I fail to deliver, I will step down’ as DSWD chief

FILE PHOTO: Erwin Tulfo. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Broadcaster Erwin Tulfo asked the public on Tuesday to give him six months to one year to prove that he is effective as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – otherwise, he would step down.

“Doon naman po sa mga kritiko ko ho – since yesterday, inulan na ho ‘yung social media ng batikos, banat – pati may mga ilang media men and women na hindi siguro gusto ang mukha ko, ang pakiusap ko lamang ho ay bigyan naman ho ako ng six months to one year… Sige, one year na lang ho hanggang May 31, 2023,” he said in a Laging Handa public briefing.

(To my critics – since yesterday, criticisms poured in on social media – and some media men and women who seem to not like my face, my request is to give me six months to one year… Okay, one year until May 31, 2023.)

“‘Pag hindi po ako naka-deliver, ako na mismo ang bababa sa pwesto and I will ask incoming President or President Bongbong Marcos na that time na, ‘Sir, palitan ninyo na ho ako dahil hindi ko ho nade-deliver ‘yung inatas ninyo sa akin na trabaho. Hindi ko po natutulungan ang mga kababayan natin on time because I promised them na help will come on time’,” he continued.

(If I do not deliver, I, myself, would step down from the position and I will ask incoming President or President Bongbong Marcos already by that time, “Sir, replace me because I have not fulfilled my job. I have not helped our citizens on time because I promised them that help will come on time.”)

President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recently named Tulfo as his administration’s DSWD chief.

But if the broadcaster manages to efficiently serve the public during the one year ultimatum he asked for, Tulfo said he would hold on to his post and discharge his duties until the end of Marcos Jr.’s six-year term.

“Pero ‘pag naka-deliver naman ho ako, siguro hayaan niyo na ho ako, tapusin ko na ‘yung termino ko siguro in six years,” he said.

(But if I deliver, let me finish my term of six years.)

Also, Tulfo pledged to be a public servant “on the ground” who the people can easily talk to.

At present, Tulfo is a broadcaster at state media People’s Television Network.

KGA