Senatorial bet Ben Tulfo refuses to talk about politics

TV and radio host Ben Tulfo. INQUIRER file photo / EDWIN BACASMAS

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial hopeful Ben Tulfo has refused to talk about politics, saying he wants to deal with true problems and challenges being endured by the people.

In an ambush interview after his kick-off rally on Tuesday, Tulfo was asked to comment on the alleged budget insertions made to the 2025 national funding.

“I do not wanna talk about politics and I don’t have a place [in] whatever situation is going on. I like to talk to you more [realistically]. More pragmatic. What is the meaning of realist? True events, true people, true challenges, true problems, and true solution that is needed,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“The people, they are the ones important,” he added. “Perhaps the budget insertion, that is basically the issue and that’s not exactly why I am here,” he added.

He also said that even if he can talk about politics in his program, he refuses to do so because he likes to “make sure that [his] message would resonate to people below.”

Tulfo explained that there’s no need to “drown” in political issues because these issues “can solve themselves.”

“If I say something that is not favorable to those in position or the administration, opposition — that’s self-serving to me. So let me begin by saying I am a populist. I serve the people,” he added.

Tulfo, an independent candidate and a broadcaster by profession, is seeking a Senate seat along with his brother ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo. Their other brother is incumbent Senator Raffy Tulfo.

The latest Pulse Asia Survey showed that both Ben and Erwin are among “probable winners” in the 2025 midterm polls should it be held now.

READ: Senatorial bet Ben Tulfo holds a proclamation rally in Quezon City