By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Barely 10 months before the 2025 midterm elections, former journalist-turned-ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo surged to the top of Pulse Asia’s latest survey on potential candidates while former action movie star and Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. found himself last in the Magic 12 with a ranking of 8th to 12th place.
It was learned that results of the poll conducted between June 17 and 24 showed Tulfo as the top choice of the respondents for senator, with 58% saying they will vote for him.
Tulfo was followed by former Senator Vicente Sotto III, Senator Pia Cayetano, broadcaster Ben Tulfo, former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go.
Presidential sister and maverick Senator Imee Marcos ranked 6th to 11th place, ahead of former senator Manny Pacquiao who placed 6th to 12th.
Completing the so-called Magic 12 of potential winners in the senatorial race were former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who were all tied for 7th to 12th place.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Deeply concerned to protect senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) from scams by certain individuals and syndicates, ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo is set to on Monday (15 July 2024) a bill that imposes jail for these “heartless scammers.”
Tulfo’s co-authors are ACT-CIS Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo.
“Ilang reklamo na kasi ang natatanggap ng aking tanggapan ukol dito sa panggogoyo sa mga senior citizens ng ilang walang pusong indibidwal,” Tulfo fumed.
“Sa kanilang pension o konting ipon lang umaasa ang mga senior, tapos gagatasan o nanakawin pa ng mga manggagantso,”Tulfo noted.
“Sinama narin namin yung mga PWD na kapag ginoyo mo ay kulong ang aabutin mo. Kahit piso pa yan, makukulong ka pag-iniscam mo yung kaawa-awang senior o PWD, dahil wala kang puso,” he emphasized.
The proposed penalties include imprisonment ranging from three months to six years or more, depending on the amount taken from the senior or PWD, especially if their savings or pensions are exhausted due to the scam by individuals or syndicates.
Tulfo, who is also the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, further noted: “Masyado kasing bulnerable ang mga senior citizen at mga may kapansanan sa mga panloloko ng ilan dahil na rin sa kahinaan dala ng kanilang edad o kapansanan.”
“We need to protect our elders and PWDs sa panahon ngayong usong-uso ang mga scam,” he stressed.
Under the proposed bill entitled “An Act Protecting the Integrity of the Electronic
Transactions of Senior Citizens and PWDs, Defining for the Purpose the Crime of Internet and Telecommunications Phishing and Fraudulent Practices Against Senior Citizens and PWDs and Providing Penalties Therefore,” it aims to provide robust protection for senior citizens and PWDs by clearly defining and penalizing internet and telecommunications fraud targeting them.
“By imposing stringent penalties, the bill seeks to deter potential offenders and underscore the seriousness of these crimes. The implementation of this bill would not only safeguard the financial assets of senior citizens and PWDs but also restore their confidence in using digital platforms for communication and transactions,” the proposed bill said.
Any person found guilty of committing the act of phishing, internet fraud, or telecommunications fraud where the offended party is a senior citizen or PWD at the time of the commission shall be punished by imprisonment of three years and one day to six years and a fine of at least P500,000 as determined by the regular courts, or the amount equivalent to the total damage incurred to the offended party, whichever is higher.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the arrest by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) of nine Chinese nationals in Pasay City who disembarked from their dredging vessel, House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS partylist Rep. Erwin Tulfo is now urging Congress to speed up the hearing on reclamation projects in Manila Bay.
It can be recalled that Tulfo filed a resolution last year to investigate the Manila Bay reclamation due to national security threats after learning that all workers on the Manila Bay reclamation projects were Chinese nationals who disembarked from their ships and roamed around Metro Manila.
“Ito ‘yung sinasabi ko noon na bumababa ng barko nila ang mga manggagawa na Chinese at umiikot dito sa Metro Manila,” Tulfo said.
He added; “Ang tanong ngayon, ano ang pakay nila para gumala sila sa Maynila gayong wala silang mga visa?”
Tulfo noted that the US Embassy was the first to express concern about the Manila Bay reclamation after they learned that a Chinese company involved in the reclamation project.
He further stated that the China-owned China Communications Construction Co. (CCCC) is in charge of the dredging and reclamation operations.
Tulfo pointed out that it is the same company responsible for building air and naval bases in territories claimed by the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
According to BI Intelligence Division (ID) chief Fortunato ‘Jun’ Manahan, Jr., they conducted surveillance and intelligence gathering after receiving reports that Chinese nationals were disembarking and boarding vessels along Manila Bay.
The arrested individuals, aged between 33 and 54, were identified as Li Weilin, Liu Peng, Wang Yong, Huang Haibing, Gong Yuan Ju, Zhang Tao, Dai Guang Yuan, Li Jiang Yu, and Kang Tian De, Manahan said.
In August 2023, Tulfo along with his colleagues from the ACT-CIS partylist, Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, filed House Resolution No. 1171, requesting the House committees on national defense and security, ecology, to review the reclamation projects surrounding Manila Bay.
“Kailangan na talaga nating tutukan itong seguridad ng ating bansa dahil nagkalat na ang mga ‘yan (Chinese) sa ating bansa”, Tulfo stressed.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Feeling the burden of ordinary citizens whose loved ones are afflicted with kidney illness, House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin T. Tulfo, along with four other lawmakers, on Tuesday (02 July 2024) filed a resolution urging the adoption and expanded Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) coverage of an advanced dialysis machine — the automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), to improve the quality of life for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients.
House Resolution No. 1789 was filed by Tulfo and his colleagues from the ACT-CIS Party-list — Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo; Benguet Rep. Eric Yap; and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo.
“Itong automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) ang siguradong magpapagaan sa buhay ng milyon-milyon nating kababayan na nagda-dialysis lalo na yung mga pasyente na nagta-trabaho. Pwedeng-pwede pa ring mag-trabaho ang mga pasyente, maari kasi itong gamitin kahit nasa bahay lamang ang pasyente at kahit natutulog lang,” Tulfo said in a statement.
He added: “Hindi na kailangan ng dialysis patient na mag-absent sa trabaho at gumastos ng pamasahe papunta sa ospital o dialysis center para sa kanyang linggo-linggong dialysis.”
Tulfo also noted that adding that the more efficient APDs were also being used in other countries.
In the resolution, the lawmakers stated that CKD is a growing public health concern in the Philippines, affecting millions of Filipinos and significantly impacting their quality of life, and dialysis treatment, specifically hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD), is a life-saving intervention for patients with advanced CKD.
It said peritoneal dialysis offers several advantages over hemodialysis, including greater flexibility, increased patient independence, and the potential for improved cardiovascular health.
“Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is a further advancement in PD technology, utilizing automated machines to perform exchanges throughout the night while the patient sleeps, reducing treatment burden and improving sleep quality,” the resolution said.
Studies have also shown that APD can significantly improve patient outcomes compared to manual PD, including reduced peritonitis rates, better blood sugar control, and enhanced overall well-being.
The lawmakers said there is no current PhilHealth coverage for APD compared to manual PD and hemodialysis, creating a financial barrier for patients who could benefit most from this technology.
“Expanding PhilHealth coverage for APD would ensure greater access to this life-changing treatment, promoting equity and reducing the financial burden on patients and their families,” the resolution stated.
“Increased utilization of APD would not only benefit patients but also potentially alleviate the strain on healthcare facilities currently overwhelmed by high volumes of hemodialysis patients,” it added.
Tulfo said they strongly urged the Department of Health (DOH) to develop and implement a national program to promote the adoption and wider use of APD as a treatment option for CKD patients in the Philippines.
He also asked PhilHealth to review and expand the coverage for APD to ensure it is equivalent to the coverage provided for hemodialysis.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Enraged by reports that some government officials are “choosy” in distributing government aid, House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo filed a bill on Thursday (27 June 2024) seeking to impose stricter penalties, including jail term and perpetual disqualification to “selective” government officials in giving assistance to their constituents.
Tulfo’s still unnumbered House Bill entiled “An Act Penalizing Selective, Discretionary, and Discriminatory Acts in the Delivery of Cash, Livelihood, or Relief Assistance Programs of Local Government Units (LGUs),” will impose a jail term of six months to one year and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
“Lagi nating naririnig ang problema na namimili si government official ng bibigyan niya ng ayuda mula sa gobyerno tuwing may kalamidad, pero wala namang nangyayari sa reklamo dahil walang napaparusahan dahil walang batas laban dito,” Tulfo noted.
Tulfo said in his bill that there are instances wherein local government officials select and prioritize the recipients of the assistance programs based on personal considerations.
“Usong-uso ito sa ating bayan na pinipili lang ni opisyal ang bibigyan ng ayuda dahil hindi niya ito supporter,” Tulfo claimed.
“Dapat ang ayuda ay walang pinipiling kulay. Dapat kahit anong partido ka, mapapula, berde, dilaw, pink, puti, it does not matter,” the lawmaker added.
He expressed belief that such an abhorent practice is directly violative of the principles of accountability and transparency in government service.
“Ang iba namang opisyal inuuna ang mga kamag-anak tulad ng nangyari noong pandemic. Dapat hindi ganun,” Tulfo stressed.
Tulfo said he will ask his colleagues from the ACT-CIS partylist Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo, to be his co-authors on the said bill.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Alarmed by the suspicious influx of Chinese nationals in the country, House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS partylist Rep. Erwin Tulfo is set to file on Tuesday (18 June 2024) a resolution urging Congress to investigate, in aid of legislation, the processes for the issuance of Special Resident Retiree’s Visas (SRRV), Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) and late filing of registration of birth as possible avenues enabling the entry of such dubious foreigners in the country.
“Nakababahala ang patuloy na pagdagsa ng mga Chinese nationals sa ating bansa at ang mas nakababahala ay kung paano sila nakapasok sa atin? Ano ang mga pinanghahawakan nilang dokumento bakit sila nakapagtrabaho ng legal sa ating bansa,” Tulfo said in a statement.
Tulfo cited reports of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) that out of the 79,000 foreign retirees in the Philippines, more than 30,000 Chinese “retirees” were allowed to permanently reside in the country.
The hard-hitting journalist-turned-lawmaker noted that the PRA has been accepting retirees who are at least 35 years old since 1991.
It was only in April 2021 that the age requirement for foreign retirees was raised to 50 years old, Tulfo further noted.
“Imagine, 35 taong gulang na mga Chinese nationals ang binigyan natin ng SRRV? Ganyan ang edad ng kalakasan ng tao, bakit retirement visa ang gamit nila? E pwede pa silang sundalo sa edad na 35 taong gulang,” Tulfo quipped.
“The influx of Chinese nationals has raised concerns regarding the socio-economic impact, including but not limited to labor market dynamics, national security, and publix order,” he added.
Meanwhile, it also revealed that several crimes were linked to the Chinese influx, including human trafficking, scamming, kidnapping, illegal detention, prostitution, and other fraudulent activities.
Tulfo also noted that the recent raids of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) establishments not only resulted in traces of criminal activities thereat but also in the discovery of offices, dormitories, villas, and lifestyle facilities within such hubs, indicating prolonged presence and actual living situations within supposed business establishments.
He cited the case of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo whose identity and nationality are now being questioned and whose birth certificate was late registered.
“It is imperative to assess the foregoing governmental processes in place that allow foreign nationals, especially Chinese citizens, to enter the country, stay indefinitely herein, and even maintain employment in the Philippines,” Tulfo said.
He said he will also request his colleagues from the ACT-CIS partylist namely Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo to be his co-authors in the resolution.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA – House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo has filed a resolution urging the government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to sponsor a resolution before the United Nations General Assembly calling on China to stop unlawful actions in the West Philippine Sea.
In House Resolution No. 1766, Tulfo said this was based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling.
“The landmark decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Case No. 2013-19, known as the Republic of the Philippines vs. the People’s Republic of China, conclusively invalidated the Chinese government’s expansive claims under the so-called ‘nine-dash line’, declaring such to be incompatible with the provisions of UNCLOS, thus upholding the Philippine sovereign rights over its EEZ and continental shelf in the WPS,” Tulfo said in the resolution.
Tulfo added that despite this ruling, China has “steadfastly refused to acknowledge and comply with the arbitration award, persisting in its increasingly unlawful actions in the WPS, including the harassment of Philippine vessels and construction of artificial islands equipped with military installations, airstrips, and other strategic infrastructure within Philippine waters.”
“This year alone, aggressive maneuvers and water cannon attacks by Chinese vessels against the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Filipino fisherfolk underscore China’s blatant disregard for international law and the legal maritime rights of the Philippines, thereby diminishing our territorial integrity and compromising regional stability and security.
On May 15, 2024, China promulgated the ‘Regulations on Administrative Law Enforcement Procedures for Coast Guard Agencies,’ effective June 15, 2024, which reportedly authorizes the China Coast Guard to detain foreign nationals suspected of ‘illegal entry’ into its alleged waters for up to sixty (60) days without trial.
“This further exacerbates the already volatile situation and poses a direct challenge to well-settled international maritime laws and principles,” Tulfo added in the resolution.
Tulfo also noted that his resolution is also in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s earlier statement on the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional issues.
President Marcos also articulated the “Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” a strategic framework aimed at building the Philippines’ defense capabilities and investing in diplomacy.
“In pursuit of the stance of the President before the international community, it is thus imperative for the Philippine Government, through the DFA, to assert its rights over the WPS and intensify diplomatic efforts to obtain international support against China’s unlawful acts,” Tulfo averred.
The lawmaker insisted that one of the diplomatic avenues available to the Philippines is to bring the issue before the UN, seeking its intervention to uphold and enforce the 2016 arbitral ruling, thereby ensuring that international law prevails at all times.
Tulfo said the UN, through its resolutions, can significantly influence international norms and policies, providing a robust platform for the Philippines to assert its maritime rights and seek global support against unlawful actions by any state, thereby reinforcing the importance of the rule of law in resolving such disputes.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Promptly acting on the “special request” of House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS party-list lawmaker Erwin Tulfo, a top official of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has expressed confidence that it will be able to increase benefits for its members, especially for those undergoing dialysis treatment.
Emerging from his meeting with Tulfo, PhilHealth Executive Vice President Eli Santos on Tuesday (28 May 2024) disclosed that the state-run health insurer is more likely to double its subsidy for dialysis patients from P2,600 to P5,200 per session.
“Pag-aaralan po ng PhilHealth ang pag-increase nito to P5,200. Binigyan po kami ng one month [para rito]. Ang goal po natin is wala ng out-of-pocket itong dialysis patients,” Santos said in a press briefing.
Tulfo noted that the current subsidy hardly covers the vials needed to be injected into dialysis patients.
“These shots (vials) are not always available in dialysis centers, so the patients seek help from a lot of people [to pay for them]. They go to the congressmen, mayors, and senators. These vials are covered by the P2,600, but since there are dialysis centers that do not have these vials, patients look elsewhere,” the ACT-CIS party-list lawmaker quipped.
He said there shouldn’t be cash out whenever the patients undergo dialysis treatment.
Tulfo has been urging Philhealth to increase benefits for its members.
It can be noted that in 2022, Congress allocated P80 billion to subsidize the premium of indigent families, senior citizens, and persons with disability with PhilHealth.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Alarmed by the apparent “Chinese invasion” as thousands of Chinese nationals have enrolled in at least two universities in Cagayan, House Deputy Majority Leader, and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo on Wednesday (22 May 2024) urged Congress for rigorous scrutiny of financial transactions in educational institutions after learning that Chinese students were paying P1.2 million each to enroll in some universities in the country.
“Nagulat ako kasi karamihan sa mga sinasabi nilang mga estudyante ay hindi naman mga mukhang estudyante. Karamihan sa kanila mga itsurang matanda na. Ito ang nakakabahala, baka mamaya sinasakop na nila ang ating bansa,” Tulfo said.
Cagayan 3rd Dist. Rep. Joseph Lara, who sponsored the congressional inquiry, revealed that at least 4,600 Chinese nationals have enrolled as students in some colleges in Cagayan.
Tulfo was reacting to the revelation during the inquiry of the Committee on
Justice chaired by Negros Occidental, 4th Dist. Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer, “into the surge of alleged Chinese students enrolling in the various higher education institutions in Cagayan province, particularly in the city of Tuguegarao, with the end view of ensuring national security amidst the prevailing situation in the West Philippine Sea.”
Lara also divulged that St. Paul University in Tuguegarao admitted that each Chinese student is paying P1.2 million just to enroll in the said school.
“It was not denied by the representative of St. Paul University, PJ Lappay, that the current fee paid by a Chinese student in St. Paul is one million two hundred thousand pesos (Php 1,200,000.00),” said Lara during his sponsorship speech.
Tulfo was shocked by the revelation as he raised concerns over our national security.
“The recent revelation that a Chinese student was paying P1.2 million in school fees in the Philippines raises significant national security concerns,” the hard-hitting journalist-turned-lawmaker said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA – House Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo expressed alarm over the apparent desecration of the world-famous Chocolate Hills due to the construction of a resort.
On Monday, May 20, 2024, Tulfo highlighted that loopholes in the law allowed this circumvention.
This concern was raised during the House Committee on Natural Resources hearing, chaired by Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon.
The hearing addressed the “illegal” construction of Captain’s Peak in the Chocolate Hills, a national heritage site and UNESCO-declared geological park.
“The problem identified by this committee, headed by Chairman Marañon, is that there are loopholes and gray areas in the law. Chairman Marañon correctly pointed out that this should be the DENR’s responsibility,” Tulfo stated.
The journalist-turned-House leader emphasized that the law needs to be corrected to prevent the desecration of national heritage sites like the Chocolate Hills.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Outraged by the unauthorized presence of Chinese vessels in the eastern seaboard of the Philippines, House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo has called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to enhance their routinary patrols and prevent Chinese incursions into the country’s territories.
Tulfo and his colleague from the ACT-CIS partylist Rep. Edvic Yap; Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo immediately filed a resolution on Monday (6 May 2024) “urging the AFP and the PCG to station appropriate personnel and conduct enhanced routinary patrols and maritime surveillance in the eastern seaboard of the Philippines.”
“Tila malaya na pong nakakapasok at tumambay ano mang oras ang mga barko ng China sa ating mga karagatan. Akalain niyo na dito naman sa silangang bahagi ng ating bansa ang puntirya ngayon ng China tulad ng Benham Rise at Catanduanes area,” Tulfo said in his privilege speech on Monday (6 May 2024).
In their resolution, the lawmakers cited the AFP’s report that a Chinese-flagged research vessel named Shen Kuo was first spotted on April 25, 2024, about 60.9 nautical miles east of Rapu-Rapu island in Albay.
On April 30, the vessel was spotted deploying unidentified equipment about 100 miles east of Catanduanes.
“The foregoing acts raise suspicion and concern about the intentions and unknown activities of the said vessel within the eastern portion of the Philippine waters, yet the AFP’s unsuccessful attempts to contact the vessel through regular radio channels indicate the vessel’s lack of responsiveness or willingness to engage with the proper authorities,” the resolution said.
Mincing no words, Tulfo assailed the unauthorized presence of Chinese vessels, this time on the eastern seaboard of the Philippines and not just in the West Philippine Sea.
“Ito po ay hudyat na naghahanda na rin silang sakupin ang silangang bahagi ng Pilipinas tulad ng pananakop nila ng buong West Philippine Sea. We have to act now to prevent another Chinese aggression on our territory,” Tulfo added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Taking notice that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that he once led does not have enough facilities for the children in conflict with the law, House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo led four other lawmakers in filing a bill that seeks to establish a “House of Hope” in every province.
Tulfo noted that while several “Bahay Pag-asa” or House of Hope have been established nationwide, many remain overcrowded and fail to meet the standards set for the rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders.
“We have to address the problem immediately. We need a facility where juveniles can spend time in formal education or vocational training, values formation, household work, and sports activities as they serve their time, yet their loved ones can visit them during the weekends,” Cong Erwin said.
Filed on Tuesday (30 April 2024), House Bill No. 10276, or “An Act Establishing Additional Houses of Hope for Children in Conflict with the Law,” provides in addition to the currently existing House of Hope or “Bahay Pag-asa” as defined in Republic Act 10630 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006, that the DSWD, in coordination with the local government and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), shall establish, operate and maintain one additional “Bahay Pag-asa” in each province and highly urbanized city within their respective jurisdiction.
“For years, since the passage of the juvenile justice system, we have simply overlooked the growing problems of our youngsters that conflict with the law, We do not have the facility or facilities to house these youths,” Cong Erwin further observed.
HB 10276 was filed by Tulfo and his colleagues from the ACT-CIS party-list Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, and Benguet Cong. Eric Yap and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo.
“By providing sufficient and properly equipped youth detention centers, we can create a conducive environment for the rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders into society,” the hard-hitting journalist-turned-House leader concluded.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Outraged by the apparent desecration of the world-famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol, House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo on Friday (15 March 2024) exposed that there are two more resorts within the protected area.
Tulfo, a former hard-hitting journalist who’s now a representative of ACT-CIS party-list, sounded the alarm about the resort construction within the protected natural monument in his latest Facebook post.
“BUKOD SA CAPTAIN’S PEAK RESORT MAY 2 RESORT PA SA CHOCOLATE HILLS…SAGBAYAN PEAK AT LA BATIANG RESORT. GRABEH, PINAGHATI-HATIAN NA NILA ANG CHOCOLATE HILLS,” Rep. Tulfo wrote on his Facebook account.
On Friday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also asked the Municipality of Sagbayan why it had allowed the construction of Captain’s Peak Resort which has no environmental clearance certificate (ECC).
The Municipality of Sagbayan claimed that it did not receive a copy of the temporary closure order issued by the DENR that led to the issuance of a business permit in January.
“The issue is does it have an ECC or not. It’s not whether hindi naman kami nabigyan ng kopya. Alam naman po siguro natin at the local level kung ano ang kailangan masubmit bago mag issue ng isang building permit sa protected area,” DENR Secretary Toni Yulo Loyzaga pointed out in a virtual press conference.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Forgetting the biblical adage that “judge not so that you shall not be judged,” House Deputy Majority Leader Joel Villanueva made a scathing statement that senators are superior to congressmen that compelled ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo to stand up for his colleagues at the lower chamber.
Tulfo expressed hope on Wednesday that Villanueva will retract his “insulting” statement considering his father, Bro. Eddie Villanueva is representing the Citizens Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) party-list in the Lower House.
“I was really surprised kay (Sen. Villanueva), yung tatay niya si Bro. Eddie Villanueva is with us sa party-list coalition kaya medyo nagulat lahat ng members ng party-list and nag usap-usap kami last week bakit daw nasabi ni Joel Villanueva yun e tatay niya nasa party-list din,” Tulfo quipped.
Last January 24, the younger Villanueva said in his privilege speech the millions of votes garnered by senators cannot be compared to district congressmen who receive only a few thousand votes, and even to party-list representatives, even if they were voted for nationally.
“Siguro nadala lang siya ng emotion niya pero hopefully i-retract naman niya sana yun kasi parang nakaka-insulto as being party-list representatives, we were not just put in the office by anybody, by some government official. We were also voted,” Tulfo noted.
He added that unlike senators, where only 12 will be elected, dozens of party-list groups win in an election.
(el Amigo/MNM)
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)
By Junex Doronio
CONCERNED OF PUBLIC SAFETY following the recent 7.2 temblor in Mindanao, House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo and four other lawmakers jointly filed a resolution seeking a congressional investigation into the standards used for the construction of public structures.
The filing of House Resolution 1476 on Tuesday, November 21, was made after Tulfo visited areas in Mindanao that were struck by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake on November 17 as directed by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
“According to police officers and rescue workers in the affected provinces, the injuries and casualties following the earthquake were due to falling debris and structures, and collapsed concrete and steel works, among other causes,” HR 1476 read.
Other authors of the resolution were ACT-CIS party-list Representatives Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, and Quezon City Rep. Ralph Tulfo.
“Upon inspection of infrastructure facilities after the quake, sustainable damages were also found in several roads, bridges, ports, and other public works, including a partially submerged fish port in the Municipality of Glan, Sarangani,” the resolution further said.
Cong. Erwin Tulfo and his co-authors pointed out the urgent need to ensure that the repair, replacement, or development of damaged public infrastructure and works must be completed timely but not at the risk of substandard quality.
They noted that the damage and its corresponding fatal repercussions to the public “give rise to questions on the standard of public infrastructure in the country and the regulation of the same by relevant government agencies.”
(ai/mnm)
CONCERNS have been raised by House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo regarding the operations of Maya Digital Savings Bank, a prominent digital savings bank in the Philippines, which also offers mobile wallet services.
This developed as Tulfo along with his colleauges from the ACT- CIS Partylist Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, and two other lawmakers Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Tulfo, filed House Resolution No. 1464 urging the Congress to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation into digital banking platforms with linkages to gambling applications.
In his privilege speech on Monday, Tulfo said it has come to his attention that Maya’s platform carries links to various gambling apps that openly allows subscribers to participate in gambling activities.
These gambling apps encompass games such as baccarat, poker, bingo, fruit games, and similar forms of gaming where subscribers can place bets through Maya’s mobile wallet services.
Rep. Tulfo firmly believes that these gambling links within Maya’s savings bank platform warrant a thorough probe by the House of Representatives.
“This question strikes at the core of our responsibility as lawmakers to protect the interests of the millions of subscribers who rely on Maya Digital Savings Bank for their financial transactions and digital wallet needs,” Tulfo said.
The primary objective is to protect the interests of Maya’s millions of subscribers and assess the legality and ethics of offering such services.
Tulfo questioned whether the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is aware of Maya’s inclusion of gambling app links, stating that the investigation aims to determine if these activities comply with laws and regulations. There’s also growing concern about the presence of gambling apps within a digital savings bank’s platform and its potential impact on financial stability and consumer welfare.
Presently, there are at least six digital banks that are permitted by the BSP to operate in the country — Maya, Uno, Tonik, CIMB, Union Bank and GoTyme Bank.
Out of these six digital banks, only Maya allegedly features links to gambling apps. The inquiry also addresses whether the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) can effectively monitor and regulate these apps within the bounds of the law.
Tulfo is committed to addressing these questions through legislative channels, emphasizing transparency, legality, and consumer protection in the evolving landscape of digital banking and financial services in the Philippines.
Asked for comment, Maya, powered by Maya Philippines for digital payment solutions and Maya Bank for digital banking services, emphasized that neither company is engaged in any gambling operations.
“Maya Philippines, licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as an electronic money issuer (EMI), facilitates digital payments for numerous merchants, including a few entities accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Our services are focused on providing secure payments from all sources like credit cards and wallet cash-in facilities for eligible customers,” it said in a statement.
“We maintain strict compliance with the guidelines set by the BSP, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and PAGCOR to ensure user safety and security, promoting the responsible use of financial service technologies,” Maya added.
By Junex Doronio
APPARENTLY WITNESSING THE DIFFICULTIES encountered by senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in voting on the recently-concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo has called for separate voting precincts for them.
The number one “senatoriable” for 2025 made the appeal on Tuesday in a post on Facebook.
“Baka naman sa susunod na eleksyon, mga PWD at seniors sa ibang classrooms na lang bumoto -kawawa kasi sila,” Tulfo said.
Tulfo has consistently topped the surveys for probable winning senatorial bets in 2025.
The former secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) garnered 50% support from a total of 1,200 respondents polled between July 17 and 31 by Oculum Research and Analytics.
He topped a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey in April, Tangere in June, and OCTA Research in July.
Tulfo is also touted as the potential running mate of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez if the latter decides to run for president in 2028.
(ai/mnm)
NANANATILING malakas at nangunguna pa rin si Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo sa survey sa pagka-senador sa darating na nahalalan sa Mayo 2025.
Sa pinakahuling survey ng Octa Research na isinagawa nitong Setyembre 30-Oktubre 4 sa 1,200 respondents lumabas na anim sa 10 o 60 porsyentong Pinoy ang boboto kay Tulfo bilang Senador.
Malayong nasa pangalawa pwesto lamang si incumbent Sen. Bong Go na may 49 porsyento, habang ang magbabalik Senador naman na si Tito Sotto ay nasa ikatlong pwesto na may 42 porsyento.
Pasok din sa Magic 12 sina Sens. Imee Marcos at Ronald dela Rosa na kapwa may 39%; Sen Pia Cayetano 36%; dating Manila Mayor Isko Moreno 35%; Dating Sen. Ping Lacson at Sen. Bong Revilla, kapwa 32%; Sen. Francis Tolentino, 28%; at Sen. Lito Lapid at dating Sen. Manny Pacquiao na kapwa 26%.
Si Tulfo na dating kalihim ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at ngayon ay kinatawan ng ACT-CIS partylist, ang siya ring namayagpag at malayong nanguna sa nakaraang survey ng Octa nitong 2nd quarter ng 2023.
Si Tulfo rin ang nanguna sa mga survey na isinagawa ng iba pang survey firms tulad ng Ocolum noong Hulyo 2023.
By Liezelle Soriano
ACT-CIS party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo came up as the number one choice among possible senatorial candidates in the coming 2025 mid-term elections according to a University of the Philippines-based survey outfit.
Conducted by OCTA Research’s Tugon ng Masa National Survey, which was held last September 30 to October 4, 60 percent of the adult Filipino population said they would vote for Tulfo in the coming political exercise.
Meanwhile, incumbent Senator Christopher “Bong” Go occupied the second spot as he garnered 49 percent voting preference.
Former Senate president Vicente Sotto III lies third with 42 percent voting preference; incumbent Senators Imee Marcos and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa both got 39 percent; Senator Pia Cayetano and former Manila mayor Isko Moreno had 36 percent and 35 percent, respectively.
Former senator Ping Lacson and incumbent senator Bong Revilla tied, having 32 percent. On the other hand, Sen. Lito Lapid and former senator Manny Pacquiao got 26 percent.
The survey was conducted among 1,200 respondents aged 18 years old and above.
(ai/mnm)