Tulfo to media: If I win, call my attention to PH problems

ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo told his colleagues in the media industry they are welcome to inform him about the country’s problems should he win a Senate seat, noting that members of the press are usually the first to know and identify concerns. File photo

MANILA, Philippines — ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo told his colleagues in the media industry they are welcome to inform him about the country’s problems should he win a Senate seat, noting that members of the press are usually the first to know and identify concerns.

Tulfo, currently one of the front-runners for the 2025 midterm elections, said that it is only right that the media bring concerns to their senators so that these can be solved.

“Ako naman ang hihingin ko lang sa members of the media natin kahit ‘yong mga wala dito, kahit ‘yong mga nasa provincial media natin, correspondents: if ever po I’ll be lucky that I’ll make it po sa Senate after May 12, hihilingin ko lang po, please do not hesitate to call my attention,” Tulfo said during the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas press conference.

(What I want to ask from members of the media, even those who are not here or those from our provincial media, correspondents: if ever I’ll be lucky that I’ll make it to the Senate after May 12, I would just like to ask, please do not hesitate to call my attention.)

“Bring to my attention any problems that you know kasi kayo po ang nando’n eh.  Naging reporter na po ako, mas nauuna (niyong) naririnig, nakikita ang problema kaya nararapat lamang ipadala po ninyo sa inyong mga senador ang problema doon sa isang lugar para magawan ng solusyon,” he added.

(Bring to my attention any problems that you know because you’re there [at the center of the news]. I used to be a reporter before, reporters really get information about the problem first, that’s why it’s only right that you tell your senators the problems of a specific area, so that they will find solutions.)

According to Tulfo, if senators cannot solve the country’s problems, then they are worthless.

“Otherwise ano pa ba ang silbi ng pagiging senador kung hindi mo naman kayang tugunan ang problema ng taumbayan?  Kaya sa inyo pong lahat, you are important, you are the fourth estate,” he added.

(Otherwise, why are they even senators if they cannot solve the problems of the people?  That’s why to all of you, you are important, you are the fourth estate.)

Aside from Tulfo, Alyansa campaign manager and Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco thanked the media for its fair coverage of the slate.

“As we come to the end of this historic campaign, we want to take a moment to thank everyone who made this journey possible.  To all the volunteers, local leaders, supporters, at especially our fellow Filipinos who welcomed us to each corner of the country, thank you very much,” he said.

“We also want to sincerely thank the members of the media for your tireless coverage and fair reporting. You helped bring our message to millions of Filipinos. Our campaign would not have this wide of a reach if not for you,” he added.

According to Tiangco, he believes that Alyansa was able to reach people and deliver a message that the election is about putting the Filipino people first — in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision.

“We believe we have built something strong and genuine. We are hopeful that on May 12, the Filipino people will elect a Senate that will help President Marcos deliver on his promises and move the country forward,” he said.

“Maraming salamat po muli sa ngalan ng buong Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas. Ang inyong tiwala ang aming lakas. Sama-sama po tayong maglingkod sa bayan. Mabuhay ang ating mahal na Pilipinas!” he added.

(Thank you on behalf of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas. Your faith is our strength. Let us all team up to serve the country. Long live the Philippines.)

Aside from Tulfo, the other members of the Alysana slate include former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos,
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Sen. Pia Cayetano, former Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson,
Sen. Lito Lapid, former Sen. Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino and House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

With elections just two days away, Alyansa is faring well in surveys, with at least eight of the 11 candidates entering the Magic 12.

According to the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Thursday, Tulfo leads the survey, getting 45 percent of the respondents’ votes, followed by his other colleagues: Sotto III (3rd, 37 percent),  Lapid (4th, 34 percent), Lacson (6th, 32 percent), Binay (7th, 31 percent), Villar (9th, 30 percent), Cayetano (10th, 29 percent), and Revilla (11th, 29 percent).

READ: Erwin Tulfo leads final SWS survey on Senate race 

A separate survey from OCTA Research meanwhile showed that eight of the 11-person slate are inside the Magic 12 and these were Tulfo, Sotto, Cayetano, Revilla, Binay, Lapid, Lacson, and Villar./coa