Erwin Tulfo apologizes to Senate employees over insubordination threats

Senator Erwin Tulfo on Monday issued an official apology to Senate employees after he earlier threatened to investigate and file charges for insubordination against those who would refuse to follow the leadership of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

“My remarks were driven by intense emotion and extreme frustration over stalled legislative proceedings, but that does not excuse my behavior," Tulfo said in a statement.

"It was highly inappropriate, and it is not how a public official should conduct themselves. I am sorry,” he added.

Tulfo’s apology came in response to a statement issued by the employees’ union Sandigan ng mga Empleyadong Nagkakaisa sa Adhikain ng Demokratikong Organisasyon (S.E.N.A.D.O.).

“Many employees have found themselves in the difficult position of determining which directives to follow in the absence of clear and uniform guidance from the institution,” the union said on Sunday.

“While leadership changes and political contests are part of democratic processes, rank-and-file employees should not bear the consequences of circumstances beyond their control, nor should they become collateral casualties of political struggles in which they have no participation,” it added.

Tulfo has been caught in a Senate leadership dispute after he was elected Blue Ribbon Committee chair by a 12-member Senate plenary.

In a statement released by Tulfo’s office, S.E.N.A.D.O. president Rosel Eugenio said the union had accepted the senator’s apology on behalf of its members.

“Tinanggap ng unyon at ng mga empleyado ang paumanhin ni Senator Tulfo. Batid namin na bukal sa loob at sincere ang kanyang paghingi ng apology,” Eugenio said.

(The union and employees accepted Senator Tulfo’s apology. We believe his apology was sincere.)

“Ang isang taong marangal ay kumikilala sa kanyang sariling kahinaan at pagkakamali. Sa pag-ako niya ng responsibilidad, pinatunayan niya ang kanyang integridad bilang isang pinuno,” she added.

(An honorable person recognizes their own weaknesses and mistakes. By taking responsibility, he proved his integrity as a leader.)

Tulfo’s office said the union is expected to meet with the senator to “foster a more collaborative working relationship moving forward.”—MCG, GMA News