Erwin Tulfo apologizes for ‘excessive ranting,’ but stands by criticism of DSWD chief Bautista

Radio broadcaster Erwin Tulfo, who drew flak for berating Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista, has issued an apology for his "excessive ranting."

The media personality, however, stood by the criticism he directed at the government official who supposedly failed to grant him an interview on his radio program.

"I apologize for the ranting, excessive ranting. Kung may mga words ako na nagamit, siguro uncalled-for, ako (ay) humihingi ng paumanhin. Pero 'yung pagpupuna po kay General Bautista., ('yung) pagtawag ko sa kanya na walang kuwenta, inutil, hindi ko babawiin 'yon kasi trabaho naman ng bawat opisyal, magtrabaho," Tulfo told anchor Weng dela Peña on Radyo Pilipinas on Friday.

In one of the episodes of his radio program over Radyo Pilipinas early this week, Tulfo had said, "Sampalin kita pag nakita kitang buang ka eh, wala akong pakialam kung retired general ka, ngudngurin ko yung mukha mo sa inodoro. Demonyo ka rin isa ka pa, dagdag ka pa sa problema."

During the interview, Tulfo shared that he has been receiving messages for retired and active members of the Armed Forces for his remarks against the former Army general.

Tulfo also clarified that he did not know Bautista personally.

He stressed that Bautista, as the head of the DSWD, should have responded to his queries which he said were about the agency's role in newly-signed laws meant to uplift impoverished Filipinos.

"Wala akong...masamang tinapay sa tao. Hindi ko siya kilala. Pinuna ko siya because hindi siya sumagot. Kailangan siyang tanungin, kailagan marinig ng taongbayan, ng mga mahihirap, ano ba ang papel ng DSWD sa 4Ps na 'yan na batas. Para ipaliwanag ba, Weng, ano ba ang magiging papel sa Magna Carta, ano ba ang mga pakinabang ng mahihirap sa Magna Carta na 'yan," Tulfo said. —Margaret Claire Layug/LDF, GMA News