Tulfo brothers charged in court | Inquirer News

Tulfo brothers charged in court

Prosecutor favors Raymart, Claudine
/ 12:47 AM November 25, 2012

Brothers Ben, Raffy and Erwin Tulfo of the TV5 show “T3” have been charged in a Quezon City court for allegedly threatening celebrity couple Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto on national television a day after their eldest brother Ramon figured in an airport brawl with the couple in May.

Six months after the incident, assistant city prosecutor Rowena Balagtas recommended the filing of charges against the three brothers, whose show was also suspended for three months by the Movie Television Review and Classification Board because of their on-air remarks.

Charges of grave threats were lodged against the Tulfos—two counts each for Erwin and Raffy, one count for Ben— in the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court on Friday. Their brother Ramon is an Inquirer Metro columnist.

Article continues after this advertisement

Balagtas noted that the respondents’ demeanor, tone and facial expression indicated that “the threats were made with deliberate purpose of creating in the minds of the persons to whom it was addressed the belief that the threats would be carried into effect.”

FEATURED STORIES

“The threats uttered by the respondents alluded to the infliction of physical harm upon the complainants (Santiago and Barreto) … The threats were consummated as soon as complainant spouse heard the statements of the respondents on TV on May 7, 2012,” the prosecutor said in a resolution.

Balagtas, however, dismissed the slander complaints against the Tulfos for lack of merit.

Article continues after this advertisement

The case stemmed from the May 6 brawl between Ramon Tulfo and the couple, who were then travelling with an entourage, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. It all started when Claudine confronted Ramon for taking a video of her as she was complaining to an airline employee.

Article continues after this advertisement

According to the complaint, the couple caught the “T3” program the following day and heard Ben Erwin and Raffy lashing out at the couple in defense of their brother.

Article continues after this advertisement

Raffy was heard telling the couple in Filipino to “pray and light a candle from now on” lest they cross paths at the mall. Erwin purportedly said: “We’re not yet done, Raymart. Just wait for it. Wait for the terrible vengeance of the Tulfos (lintik na ganti ng mga Tulfo).”

Ben allegedly added: “I go up against criminals, murderers. You seem to be a good fellow, but if you like we can meet and lock ourselves up in a big warehouse. Ambulances will be waiting. There will only be one man left standing. Let me see how good you are.”

Article continues after this advertisement

In her resolution, Balagtas also noted that the Tulfos failed to appear and submit their counter-affidavits despite being notified during the preliminary investigation of the complaint.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, TV5

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.