By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Playing like “Santa Claus” House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo took a “habal-habal” (motorcycle-for-rent) ride to reach the far-flung IP (indigenous people) Barangay Biniritan in Bataan to personally deliver much needed cash assistance this Christmas season.
A short video clip posted on Facebook shows Tulfo riding on the back of a motorcycle on his way to the IP community, with the caption: “First habal-habal ride. First backride going to IP territory.”
“Pakiusap lamang po namin na sana gastahin ng tama ang P5,000 cash assistance na ibinigay po sa inyo kanina ng DSWD dahil PERA PO NG TAUMBAYAN YAN NA KINALTAS SA KANILANG MGA SAHOD BILANG BUWIS,” Tulfo quipped in a Facebook post.
It was learned that the aid distribution was made possible in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which he once headed.
Tulfo assured the IPs that they have not been forgotten or neglected by the government.
However, the ACT-CIS party-list lawmaker underscored the importance of birth registration for their inclusion in the government’s social protection programs.
To recall, when Tulfo was DSWD chief, the social welfare department launched a special project to include IPs in the national registry of birth last year.
The document will help the IPs access government programs and services.
“Salamat po sa DSWD R3, sa PNP Morong at sa mga barangay officials ng Bgy. Biniritan. God bless you all po,” Tulfo said.
He also promised to return to Bataan with additional assistance to address the needs of the IPs.
Tulfo neither confirmed nor denied rumors that he will run for vice president in tandem with Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez who is expected to be the PBBM administration standard bearer in 2028.
(IA/MNM)