Broadcast journalist Erwin Tulfo on Monday said sorry to DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista for his threat-laden tirade on his radio program.
Tulfo also mulls toning down his commentary style on the radio by calling out someone’s attention without cursing.
In his interview with CNN Philippines, Tulfo said: “Wala pong dahilan an alipustahin ang isang tao lalo na si General Bautista ay nagsilbi sa bayan at ipnagtanggol ito sa mga kalaban.”
“Nawa ay mapatawad nyo po ako bilang isang tao, may mga kamalian at pagkukulang din,” he added.
Bautista has yet to comment on the latest statement of Tulfo. Earlier, Tulfo apologized for his outburst but insisted not to take back some of his remarks against Bautista.
Meanwhile, the Palace has welcomed the apology of the broadcaster, saying that both camp should now bury the hatchet between them and move on.
“I think we should bury that, we should move forward. Nag-apologize na ‘yung mama,” said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo told reporters in the news briefing in Malacanang.
To recall, he slammed the retired general for allegedly ignoring his calls and demanded that as a public official Bautista’s line should be more open to those in need.
He threatened to shoot the DSWD chief’s head into the toilet for missing call.
“Sampalin kita pag nakita kitang [glaring] ka. Wala akong pakialam kung retired general ka. Ingudngud ko yung mukha mo sa inidoro,” Tulfo said.
This prompted the Philippine National Police, upon orders of Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, to recall the security personnel assigned to Tulfo and his two brothers, Raffy and Ben Tulfo, including Raffy’s wife ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Jocelyn Tulfo.
It’s unclear if their security personnel will soon be reassigned after his apology to the DSWD chief.
