Tulfo visits Robredo; Ex-VP thanks Senate bet for helping Naga
After a market tour at the Naga People’s Mall, senatorial candidate and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo visited former Vice President Leni Robredo at her home. Robredo then thanked Tulfo for helping her and the Angat Buhay NGO when he was at the helm of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as the two institutions’ anti-poverty program complemented each other. (Photo from Office of Rep. Erwin Tulfo)
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — Former Vice President Leni Robredo has thanked senatorial candidate and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo for helping the Bicol Region when he headed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In a statement on Sunday, the senatorial candidate’s camp confirmed that Tulfo visited Naga City on Saturday, and was welcomed into Robredo’s home in Naga.
During the meeting, Robredo thanked Tulfo for supporting the Angat Buhay Foundation, an initiative of hers launched after the 2022 presidential elections.
“When he was still the DSWD secretary, he was a big help to Angat Buhay. In fact, I visited him at his DSWD office; Angat Buhay and DSWD had a good synergy because we also focused on anti-poverty programs,” she said in Filipino.
“His leadership was a big factor — that’s why we did not have problems in getting accreditation. If we visit areas hit by calamities, we always coordinate with DSWD, that’s why I am grateful,” she added.
After a market tour at the Naga People’s Mall, senatorial candidate and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo visited former Vice President Leni Robredo at her home. Robredo then thanked Tulfo for helping her and the Angat Buhay NGO when he was at the helm of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as the two institutions’ anti-poverty program complemented each other. (Photo from Office of Rep. Erwin Tulfo)
According to Robredo, Tulfo’s proactive assistance allowed Angat Buhay to advance its programs on poverty alleviation and calamity response, especially during the onslaught of Typhoon Kristine in October 2024.
Tulfo said he believes that the best practice is to coordinate with like-minded efforts.
“We really appreciate that VP Leni appreciated what we were able to do before. Since then, I believe that this is the best practice: Do not look at political colors,” said Tulfo, who is running under the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas banner.
“Because once you look at colors, nothing will happen, somebody will be left behind. We need to look and help everyone,” he added.
Tulfo was appointed as DSWD chief by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Robredo’s rival during the 2022 polls.
As early as August 2022, Robredo and other officials of the Angat Buhay Foundation met with Tulfo, when he was still at the DSWD’s helm, to discuss how the group could help the government.
In a post on her official Facebook page, Robredo shared pictures uploaded by Tulfo, which showed the former vice president and him discussing several things.
Tulfo said Robredo’s organization vowed to help the government through the speedy transmission of information on areas hit by calamities.
“We met with DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo today to present the programs of Angat Buhay and to explore possible areas of collaboration. We look forward to working with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” Robredo said.
READ: Ex-VP Robredo, Angat Buhay execs meet with Tulfo to discuss programs
As the midterm elections near, netizens and observers have speculated whether a coalition slate between Marcos’ Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas and Robredo’s lineup of former senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino will be created.
Robredo recently endorsed former senator Manny Pacquiao and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos — both Alyansa candidates.
READ: Leni Robredo backs Senate bid of Manny Pacquiao, Benhur Abalos Jr.
Despite a bitter campaign in 2022, Marcos and Robredo have already met at least once when she and Aquino were invited by Senate President Francis Escudero to an event in Sorsogon, which was attended by Marcos.
While there were no details on whether the two discussed anything, Marcos said he feels very happy about what he described as a “political reconciliation” between him and Robredo.
Marcos, in his speech after signing the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (Aral) Program in Malacañang last October 18, 2024, acknowledged Escudero for facilitating the meeting between him and Robredo.
READ: ‘Reconciliation’ afoot? Marcos happy to meet Leni Robredo in Sorsogon
“Senate President Chiz Escudero, who has taken a very important step towards political reconciliation yesterday, well done. I’m so happy you did that,” Marcos said.
