PMA Alumni Association declares Erwin Tulfo persona non grata

The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMAAAI) on Monday declared radio broadcaster Erwin Tulfo persona non grata after he berated retired military general and incumbent Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista on his radio program last month.

A resolution that was agreed upon by the alumni association's board of directors on June 7, 2019 stated that Tulfo "viciously maligned" Bautista using "foul, offensive and derogatory language."

The PMAAAI said that as a consequence, Tulfo's presence or participation in activities and programs sponsored or participated by the association will no longer be appreciated.

In such occasions, he will also be stripped of privileges and courtesies given to "responsible media practitioners," it added.

The PMAAAI said that Tulfo's behavior was not only contrary to the Broadcast Code of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and the Journalists' Code of Ethics of the National Press Club (NPC) but also violated the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Revised Penal Code because it was also uploaded on his Facebook page.

"These libelous language of Mr. Tulfo, effectively and assiduously erodes the 'faith and trust in government' by the Filipino people," the resolution read.

Tulfo, had apologized for his "excessive ranting" and said he was considering toning down his commentary style.

Bautista, however, said that Tulfo has to follow several conditions to prove his sincerity, such as publishing a public apology on major newspapers and donating P300,000 to 19 organizations and trust funds.

This drew the ire of Erwin's brother Ben.

The issue started after Tulfo's request for an interview with Bautista was turned down by the government official's office. He ranted and released expletives on-air after he was asked to write a formal letter for such request.

GMA News Online has sought comment from Tulfo. — BM, GMA News