By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Raffy Tulfo has been working closely with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure the reliability of current power plants.
Tulfo’s statement comes after NGCP declared red and yellow alerts for the Luzon and Visayas Grids on April 16 due to over 30 power plants being offline or operating at reduced capacity.
“The recent alert levels are concerning, especially since Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Felix Fuentebella stated in February that the country had sufficient power supply during the El Niño season. Additionally, the DOE mentioned no anticipated power supply issues in the coming months,” said Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy.
“I have been in communication with the DOE and NGCP to ensure that our current power plants are reliable and won’t fail, especially during this exceptionally hot weather,” Tulfo added.
Tulfo emphasized the importance of rigorous monitoring by the DOE, NGCP, and power generation companies to prevent recurring brownouts.
“The adverse effects of power outages are significant, particularly on the health and economy of our fellow citizens. When there are widespread brownouts in the country, consumers suffer the most,” the lawmaker remarked.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Touted as a strong presidential contender in 2028, hard-hitting veteran journalist and now Senator Raffy Tulfo has gained favor from the Supreme Court (SC) which has ruled to uphold the Commission on Elections (Comelec) decision junking the disqualification (DQ) petition against him.
The high court thrashed the DQ petition due to lack of jurisdiction.
In its decision last April 3 which was only released to the media through a press statement on Monday (8 April 2024), the SC has maintained the Comelec en banc’s position that the poll body has no longer jurisdiction over a disqualification case filed against an incumbent senator.
It can be recalled that a certain Julie Licup Pearson sought the disqualification of Tulfo because he had been convicted of libel, a crime involving moral turpitude, and he had allegedly committed an election offense by illegally advertising his candidacy on his radio show.
“The Court, citing Section 17, Article VI of the Constitution, and established jurisprudence, clarified the division of powers in election disputes. It stated that once a winning candidate had been proclaimed, taken oath, and assumed office, the Comelec’s jurisdiction over election contests relating to their election, returns, and qualifications ceases, and the SET assumes jurisdiction. Pearson failed to timely file the appropriate case before the SET and cannot remedy this failure by invoking the Court’s certiorari powers,” the high court ruled.
It also clarified: “The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) has exclusive jurisdiction over disqualification cases against a winning senatorial candidate who has been proclaimed, taken oath, and assumed office.”
A recent Pulse Asia survey showed Tulfo ahead by just one percent over Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Senator Raffy Tulfo has raised doubts about Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga’s capacity to effectively lead the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
This concern arose following an article in the Philippine Star by Jarius Bondoc, which highlighted allegations that Yulo-Loyzaga’s family had acquired 40,000 hectares of land in Coron and Busuanga known as Yulo King Ranch (YKR). Reportedly, seven hectares of this land are being utilized for a meat processing plant.
In 1975, Presidential Proclamation No. 1387, under former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., designated this 40,000-hectare land on Busuanga Island as a pasture reserve, explicitly stating that it is not to be sold, distributed, or utilized for purposes other than as a pasture reserve.
“Tulfo emphasized, “This land is public domain; which means it belongs to the people and not to private individuals,” said Tulfo.
The senator labeled this situation as “the largest agrarian anomaly.”
“Every year, from 2015 to the present, hundreds of farmers have been protesting in Palawan, pleading for the modest 900 hectares within YKR to be distributed to them for their use and benefit,” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Apparently affected by the confidential funds controversy and her silence on China’s aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea, Vice President Sara Duterte is now overtaken by veteran hard-hitting journalist and now Senator Raffy Tulfo as the top presidential contender for 2028.
This was revealed on Sunday (31 March 2024) based on a Pulse Asia survey showing Tulfo ahead by a hairline one percent over VP Sara who is also the concurrent Education Secretary.
Results of the poll conducted from March 6 to 10, 2024 showed that 35% of the respondents will vote for “idol” Tulfo as president if the 2028 elections were to be held during the survey period.
Inday Sara — as the Vice President is popularly known — was the choice for president of 34% of respondents.
Trailing behind in the presidential survey was former Vice President Leni Robredo with 11%, followed by Senator Imee Marcos with 5%, former senator Manny Pacquiao with 3%, and Senators Robinhood Padilla and Risa Hontiveros, who got 2% and 1%, respectively.
Also mentioned by the respondents as potential presidential candidates they will likely vote in 2028 were: House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, President Rodrigo Duterte, and former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that the decline of Inday Sara’s popularity could be attributed to the controversy generated by her proposed P650 million total of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) which were eventually realigned by the House of Representatives under Romualdez’s leadership and her continued silence on the aggressive acts of China in the West Philippine Sea.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the expose’ of Senator Raffy Tulfo that an NFA (National Food Authority) quality officer had passed off good rice as bad to allow its sale to certain traders, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is now considering tapping an independent laboratory to test the quality of rice from the said agency.
In his privilege speech on Monday (11 March 2024), Tulfo said under the alleged scheme, the NFA will buy unmilled rice or palay for P24 a kilo. A P2-per-kilo subsidy from the Palay Marketing Assistance Program for Legislators and Local Government Units (PALLGU) is then added to the NFA’s buying price.
“There could be ways, for example, an independent laboratory to analyze hindi na NFA para maging mas independent [so that it will be independent from the NFA],” DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said in reaction to the hard-hitting radio journalist-turned-lawmaker’s claim.
De Mesa added that reviewing existing policies of the NFA is also being considered.
“Ang talagang policy governing body ng NFA [ay] ang NFA Council, so guided ng mga resolutions ang mga action. So ‘yun din isang tinitignan, kung talaga bang nasunod mga patakaran na in-issue ng council noong 2019 hanggang current,” he clarified.
(el Ammigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Raffy Tulfo revealed that a single lotto bettor has clinched victory 20 times within a month, while another bettor secured 10 wins within the same timeframe.
Tulfo shared that this information was based on data obtained from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
“The PCSO provided me with a list… I must say, it raised some eyebrows. There’s someone there who won 20 times in one month. Another person won 10 times in a single month,” Tulfo disclosed during an interview with Dobol B TV.
“It’s possible they may share the same name, but they still won the same prize… repeatedly, in one month… It’s raising more questions,” the senator added.
Tulfo heads the Senate investigation into the outcomes of lotto draws.
He questioned the frequency of winners in every lotto draw, stating, “Why is there a winner every draw now? Before, when there was no e-lotto, it took a long time before anyone won. It would take a month, even two months.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Raffy Tulfo filed a resolution on Tuesday (06 Feb 2024) urging the Senate to investigate accidents resulting from hanging cable wires on roads.
In Senate Resolution No. 992, Tulfo highlighted the alarming rise in road accidents attributed to the improper maintenance of cable wires.
Tulfo’s proposed hearing aims to summon electricity and telephone companies, along with other relevant entities responsible for installing, maintaining, and managing live cable wires.
He emphasizes the importance of adherence to safety protocols and regulations, advocating for regular inspections and maintenance checks on cables.
Additionally, Tulfo stresses the necessity of reviewing the charters of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Local Government Units (LGUs), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), City Engineering Office, and other concerned agencies to ensure they fulfill their mandates effectively, particularly in ensuring road safety.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — In a move to address the escalating involvement of police officers in heinous crimes, Senator Raffy Tulfo is advocating for a Senate investigation into the disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon.
In his proposed Senate Resolution 913, Tulfo highlights the pressing need to review the screening process and retention criteria for police officers currently on active duty.
“The involvement of police officers in heinous crimes [has] been increasing in the past months and there is a need to review the screening process of police officers as well as the retention of officers in active duty,” Tulfo wrote in proposed Senate Resolution 913.
The senator emphasizes that the investigation is not only essential for unraveling the mystery surrounding Camilon’s disappearance but also to ensure swift justice for her family.
Camilon’s sister, Chin-chin, first sought public assistance on October 16, 2023, via social media to locate her missing sister. Five days later, Camilon was officially declared a “missing person” after a close friend revealed her alleged relationship with Police Major Allan de Castro.
De Castro, whom Camilon was supposed to meet on the day of her disappearance, denied any involvement. However, based on CCTV footage from October 12, 2023, it was revealed that De Castro allegedly provided Camilon with the vehicle she was seen driving away in.
Witnesses reported seeing Camilon, bloodied and being transferred from her car to another vehicle on October 12, mentioning the presence of Jeffrey Magpantay in the area. The recovered hair and blood from the vehicle matched Camilon’s DNA profile, confirming the gravity of the situation.
Despite ongoing efforts to locate Camilon and the reward for information currently at P250,000, investigators suspect she may have met an unfortunate fate, as witnesses have provided compelling accounts suggesting her demise.
As of October 26, 2023, Police Major Allan de Castro has been placed under the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit as a person of interest.
Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas announced De Castro’s dismissal on January 16, citing conduct unbecoming of a police officer, specifically his alleged illicit and extramarital affairs with Camilon.
In connection with Camilon’s disappearance, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention complaints have been filed against De Castro, his driver-bodyguard Magpantay, and two unidentified individuals.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In the wake of Senator Raffy Tulfo’s opposition to China-made modern jeepneys, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday washed its hands off, saying it’s totally up to the jeepney cooperatives what unit they will purchase in compliance with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III stressed in a statement that the agency had “no say” on what unit and from what company the jeepney operators would purchase their modern jeepneys as this was the prerogative of the jeepney cooperatives.
“We also ensure that the primary aspect to consider in shifting to modern jeepneys is the safety and roadworthiness of the new jeepney units to provide better service to the commuters,” he said.
On Sunday (January 7), Tulfo charged that the purchase of Chinese-made jeeps reeks of corruption since it costs less to produce modern jeepneys in the Philippines.
He noted that imported jeepneys from China cost P2.6 million to P2.9 million per unit, while a local unit only amounts between P900,000 to P985,000.
But Guadiz pointed out that jeepney cooperatives should fully handle the process, and they could buy from any manufacturer, whether local, from Japan, or China, since the government would not meddle in this.
He added that transportation cooperatives could choose from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-approved manufacturers that adhere to the Philippine National Standard.
“The DTI lists those compliant with the Philippine National Standard. It’s up to them [cooperatives] who they will choose. It’s their call… They have the full autonomy,” the LTFRB chief said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that China has already been incursing the West Philippine Sea, the country’s streets shouldn’t be flooded with imported modern jeepneys from China as part of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
This was raised on Sunday (January 7) by the hard-hitting journalist-turned-Senator Raffy Tulfo who said the purchase of Chinese-made jeeps reeks of corruption since it costs less to produce modern jeepneys in the Philippines.
“Ang karagatan natin sa West Philippine Sea ay sinasakop na nga ng China, pati ba naman mga kalsada natin ay papayag tayong sasakupin na rin nila?!” Tulfo fumed.
He noted that imported jeepneys from China cost between P2.6 million to P2.9 million per unit, which is more expensive than a unit from local companies Sarao and Francisco Motors amounting between P900,000 to P985,000.
Tulfo stressed that the government will save an estimated P1.7 million per unit if a local manufacturer is chosen to produce modern jeepneys.
The senator also said buying from local manufacturers will boost job opportunities for Filipino workers.
Tulfo pointed out that patronizing local manufacturers would preserve the original style and iconic design of Philippine jeepneys which are already part of the Filipino culture.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Raffy Tulfo wants to revoke the franchise of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for failing to stabilize power systems of the grid.
“Panahon na para mas mapabilis ang pagrerebisa at agarang pagtanggal ng prangkisa ng NGCP. Mahigit isang dekada at kalahati nang nagsasakripisyo ang taumbayan sa mga kapalpakan nila. Enough is enough!” Tulfo said.
The chairperson of the Senate committee on energy made the statement after days of blackout in Panay Island.
The senator pointed out that this was the second time something similar had occurred, citing the Panay and Negros outage in April 2023, and that it might be cause for the corporation’s franchise revocation.
The House Committee on Energy has scheduled the probe on power outage in Panay Island on January 11 (Thursday).
Earlier, three senators have also sought for investigation of the power outage.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Raffy Tulfo wants nothing more than the immediate dismissal of an Angkas rider who allegedly robbed and attempted to rape his passenger.
During the Senate hearing of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Tulfo questioned Angkas representative Jauro Castro for only suspending Aurelio Suberia instead of sacking him.
“Bakit suspension lang? Dapat sibakin niyo!” Tulfo said.
In his program, a woman named “Carla” recently complained about the acts of Suberia as he tried to molest her and only stopped upon seeing other people in the area.
In line with this, Tulfo told Castro that Angkas should replace some of its officials, especially those who are not following company policies and are not taking customer complaints seriously.
Castro, for his part, admitted Angkas’ shortcomings and lapses and apologized on behalf of the company.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has assured help to the Filipinos in Israel who were affected by the attack, including speeding up the repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have expressed their intent to return home to the Philippines.
“Since many OFWs lost their job in Israel, my office already coordinated with the government to ensure that those affected will be given job opportunities in the Philippines if they cannot return to their workplaces in Israel,” the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers added.
Earlier, Israeli authorities confirmed that two Filipinos have died in the ongoing war between the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas and Israel.
Among the Filipino casualties are Angelyn Aguirre, a nurse who died after staying by the side of her patient, and Paul Vincent Castelvi, a caregiver who went to Israel to support his family in the Philippines.
Another Filipino reportedly died amid attack in Israel, but the government is still awaiting official word about this information.
Despite their heroism and unwavering dedication to work, it is unfortunate that they ended up this way, along with hundreds of other victims who are considered collateral damage of this violent happening in Israel.
The senator also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the Filipino OFWs.
(ai/mnm)
Ni Liza Soriano
IMINUNGKAHI ni Senador Raffy Tulfo nitong Lunes na tapyasan ang confidential funds ng Department of Agriculture (DA) at ilipat sa National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP) at Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Ang panukalang ito ay sinabi ni Tulfo sa deliberasyon ng Senate subcommittee on finance sa proposed 2024 budget ng Department of Justice (DOJ) at attached agencies nito.
Ang budget ng DOJ, kasama ang sa iminungkahi ng attached agencies nito para sa 2024 ay umabot sa P34.486 bilyon
“Wag sanang magalit ang DA, kasi noong last hearing, napansin kong meron silang P50 million confidential funds. Tinanong ko kung para saan [tapos] ang sabi ng taga-DA ay to go after smugglers. Sabi ko nandyan naman ang Bureau of Customs (BOC), ang Philippine National Police (PNP), [o] NBI,” ayon kay Tulfo.
“I’m proposing na medyo pumitas tayo sa budget ng DA sa confidential funds at i-transfer natin doon sa NBI. Siguro i-distribute [din] natin [sa] PNP [o] BOC. Nasa discretion niyo po ‘yon. Para sa akin kasi, it doesn’t make sense na ang DA ay magkakaroon ng confidential funds,” dagdag pa niya.
Iminungkahi ni Tulfo, sa pagdinig ng Kamara sa panukalang alokasyon ng DA noong Oktubre 5, na tanggalin ang secret allocation ng ahensya kung ang layunin lamang nito ay labanan ang anti-agricultural smuggling.
Samantala, sinabi ni DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla na dapat dagdagan ang budget ng cybercrime unit ng DOJ at NBI. (ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
TWO senators want to realign the P50-million confidential funds of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to anti-smuggling bodies to address this issue.
This was the statement of Senators Cynthia Villar and Raffy Tulfo after learning that the DA was given millions of confidential funds under the National Expenditure’s Program (NEP).
According to Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, P50-M will be allocated for “enforcement” and “smuggling.”
Tulfo questioned this and said that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) should be the agency to respond to smuggling.
“I-surrender ninyo na lang po at ibigay ninyo na lang po sa ibang mga agency na nangangailangan tulad ng Coast Guard. Siguro kailangan natin dahil palaging nagkakaproblema tayo sa West Philippine Sea,” Tulfo said.
Villar supported Tulfo’s statement and added that it is not within the DA’s mandate to address smuggling.
“The enforcement agency against smuggler and cartel…would be coming from the law enforcement agency, not DA,” the senator said.
(ai/mnm)
(by Dang Samson Garcia)
SENATOR Raffy Tulfo called on the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to monitor its graduates and ensure that they receive proper wages.
TESDA Director General Suharto Mangudadato admitted that there are TESDA graduates who are receiving below minimum wage.
During Wednesday’s hearing of the Finance Subcommittee G on TESDA’s P15.2 billion proposed budget for 2024,
Tulfo asked TESDA officials to coordinate with the Department of Labor and Employment and report all employers that violate the law.
“Why do you allow your graduates, after landing a job, to receive below minimum wage? We have a law,” Tulfo said.
“Whether you are a graduate or undergraduate, or TESDA graduate, it should not be below minimum,” he added.
“I have been fighting for that for the past 20 years that all our workers should be on minimum wage, why do you agree? Don’t allow that,” the senator said.