FILE PHOTO: Senator Raffy Tulfo speaks with reporters before attending a legislative process briefing in the Senate on June 27, 2022. Senate PRIB file photo / Albert Calvelo
MANILA, Philippines — Critics of the birthday celebration of Senator Sonny Angara should know that it was the charity that drove government officials to a night of partying last Saturday at the Manila Polo Club, Senator Raffy Tulfo said Monday.
Critics complained that while politicians partied, Filipinos faced inflation and other socioeconomic problems.
At a press conference at the Senate, Tulfo was asked how he felt about comments attacking him and the government officials who attended Angara’s 50th birthday party.
“Napaka-kill joy naman ‘yung mga nagsasabi niyan. Dapat inaalam din nila siguro ‘yung reason kung bakit, ano bang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit kami nandu’n,” he replied.
(Those who say that are such killjoys. They should know the reasons why we were there.)
“Una, tao naman kami, marunong din kami dapat mag-relax. Pangalawa, it was for a cause rin,” he added.
(First, we are also human. We should also know how to relax. Second, it was also for a cause.)
According to Angara, his party raised P3 million, which will be donated to the Philippine General Hospital Foundation.
“So, may naitulong ‘yung party na ‘yun. Hindi lamang pagsasayaw-sayaw kundi for a good cause, charity,” Tulfo said.
(So, that party has a benefit. It is not all dancing but also for a good cause, charity.)
Attendees of Angara’s birthday celebration are President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and several senators and government officials.
A video of Marcos Jr. singing with senators went viral online, earning flak from some social media users.