DSWD’s Bautista to Tulfo: Donate to 19 groups, place ‘sorry’ ads before I accept apology

Social Welfare and Development chief Rolando Bautista on Friday said he was accepting the apology of broadcaster Erwin Tulfo following his on-air tirades against him, but laid down several conditions including Tulfo making a public apology and donating P300,000 to 19 organizations and trust funds.

"Tinatanggap ko ang paghingi ng paumanhin ni Ginoong Erwin T. Tulfo alinsunod sa mga nakatakda na kailangan niyang gampanan sa lalong madaling panahon upang mapatunayan ang kanyang katapatan," Bautista said in a statement.

Bautista said Tulfo must have his public apology published as a half-page ad or bigger on major newspapers, the cost of which will come from the broadcast personality's own pocket.

Bautista added the apology should also be put on social media, and aired on radio.

Bautista also named around 20 organizations and trust funds where Tulfo will have to at least donate P300,000. He said this is his alternative to seeking damages from the radio commentator.

"Magbibigay siya ng donasyon sa halagang hindi bababa sa P300,000 sa lahat ng mga sumusunod sa halip ng pambayad ng danyos o bayad-pinsala sa pagkawasak ng aking pagkatao, reputasyon at pati na rin ng mga institusyon na aking kinakatawan o naging kaanib," Bautista said.

The organizations and trust funds where Bautista told Tulfo to donate are the following:

• Philippine Military Academy
• Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc.
• Association of Generals and Flag Officers
• First Scout Ranger Regiment, Philippine Army
• Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Philippine Army
• Light Reaction Regiment, Philippine Army
• Philippine National Police Special Action Force
• Philippine Naval Special Operations Group, Philippine Navy
• Philippine Marines Special Operations Group, Philippine Navy,
• Philippine National Police Maritime Group
• Trust Fund for the City of Marawi's Internally Displaced Persons
• Philippine Veterans Hospital
• AFP Victoriano Luna Medical Center
• Philippine National Police Camp Crame General Hospital
• Philippine Army General Hospital
• Philippine Navy General Hospital
• Philippine Air Force General Hospital
• Philippine Coast Guard General Hospital
• Educational trust fund for deserving children of DSWD employees

Tulfo drew flak after he called Bautista names in his radio program on state-run Radyo Pilipinas when the broadcaster was told to request an interview before he could talk to the secretary on air.

He has since apologized for his behavior and indicated that he might have to tone down his style of commentary over the airwaves.

Bautista, a former Army chief, said he appreciates the support of his family, the military, non-government organizations, and government personnel after hearing the criticisms of Tulfo.

"Taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa bawat isa po sa inyo na nagpaabot at nagpakita ng simpatya, pagkabahala at suporta para sa akin nitong nakaraang buwan ng aking matinding pagsubok dahil sa paninirang-puri at insulto na naidulot ng programang Tutok Erwin Tulfo," Bautista said. — MDM, GMA News