Palace calls for respect after Erwin Tulfo’s controversial rant vs. DSWD chief Bautista

Malacañang on Monday called for respect after broadcaster Erwin Tulfo drew criticism for his excessive rant against Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista.

"Respect should be given to everyone," presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said at a news conference. 

Tulfo came under fire after he called Bautista names in his radio program after 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.

Panelo commended Tulfo for being "gentleman enough" to apologize, adding everyone should "move forward" from the incident.

The Palace official said it is up to Communications Secretary Martin Andanar whether to order an investigation on the matter given that Tulfo aired his rant over state-run Radyo Pilipinas.

Panelo also said the Cabinet is fully supportive of Bautista, a former Army chief, even as President Rodrigo Duterte "will not intervene on any feud between two individuals."

The Palace spokesman also said Cabinet members have always been "accessible" to the media.

"Not only should be, we are accessible. It takes a little time for others, but we are accessible. We do not block media from coming in," he said.

In the wake of the controversy, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to recall the police escorts assigned to Erwin Tulfo and his brothers.

PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde said that behavior is one of the factors being considered to determine whether or not to pull out the police security escorts that are detailed to private individuals. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News