Retired military officials criticize broadcaster’s behavior

June 3, 2019

The Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) criticized broadcaster Erwin Tulfo for lambasting Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista in his radio program.

"The AGFO is deeply saddened and seriously alarmed by the abuse of press freedom by Mr. Erwin Tulfo with his profanity and crude language to get the attention of a senior government official, DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, a retired general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)," the association said in a statement issued Monday.

The group said Tulfo's outburst sets a bad example for future journalists.

"Mr. Tulfo's outburst during his program "Tutok Tulfo" portrays unprofessional conduct of a media practitioners, sets bad example to striving and future mediamen, and leaves negative impression to the general public," it stated.

"AGFO abhors such abuse of freedom of expression," it added.

It said "AGFO believes that the democratic principles enshrined in our constitution provide clear and unmistakable message that for press freedom to continue and flourish every citizen must recognize the limitation imposed by the applicable laws of the land, professional ethic and societal norms."

"Preserving press freedom is everyone's responsibility. Let us all be counted and protect such freedom," it added.

Tulfo made an outburst in his radio program after Bautista declined to grant him a live interview as the Office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development was asking for a formal request. Robina Asido/DMS