Latest news with #ErwinTulfo
GMA Network
13-07-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
Erwin Tulfo seeks clarity from DOH on indigent patients funds
Senator Erwin Tulfo on Sunday sought clarity from the Department of Health (DOH) on the funds for indigent patients, following reports that some of their guarantee letters were denied even in government hospitals. 'This is unacceptable. For someone who is sick, every second counts. Asking them to wait is not an option,' Tulfo said in a statement. 'If you no longer have funds for indigent patients, say so. Don't give them false hope. These people didn't choose to get sick—let's not make their burden heavier,' Tulfo said. The Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program (MAIFIP) provides financial assistance for medical expenses to eligible beneficiaries. Tulfo also raised concerns the Health Dept. may have depleted its funds under the program. 'If there are no funds left, how did that happen? Congress approved sufficient funding for MAIFIP,' Tulfo said. He noted that some private hospitals in Region IV-A, particularly in Batangas, are considering suspending the acceptance of guarantee letters until the P530 million in allegedly unpaid claims is settled. GMA News Online has reached out to the DOH for comment. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
07-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Jinggoy confirms reso seeking retention of Chiz as Senate president
Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero is expected to continue leading the upper chamber in the 20th Congress as at least 13 senators have already signified their support for him, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said Monday. Estrada confirmed that there is a circulating resolution among senators to express support for Escudero as senate president. Of the 24 senators, he said 13 have already signed the resolution, calling it a 'super majority.' 'We have enough numbers—more than 13, I suppose. And I think Senate President Chiz Escudero is already secured of having his next term as Senate President,' Estrada told reporters in a phone interview. The 20th Congress will begin its first regular session on July 28, shortly ahead of the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. Estrada acknowledged that anything can still happen until the 20th Congress begins, but he raised hope that the senators who already signed the resolution won't change their minds. Asked if he's the one behind the circulation of the document, he said, 'Hindi naman, tulung tulong na 'yan (Not necessarily, everyone pitched in).' Estrada also expressed hope that he will be retained as Senate President Pro Tempore, but explained that it's up to his colleagues to decide on the matter. He also floated the possibility that Senator Joel Villanueva will be elected again as Senate majority leader. Committee chairmanships Estrada also said that newly elected senators are poised to lead big committees in the Senate. 'Si Senator Erwin Tulfo, galing siya sa DSWD. Siguro nararapat lang na ibigay natin sa kanya 'yung committee on social services,' he said. (Senator Erwin Tulfo previously led the DSWD. Maybe we should give him the committee on social services.) 'Ganon din si Senator Bam Aquino, ang kanyang advocacy, education. Siguro nararapat dapat natin ibigay 'yung committee on basic education sa kanya. Ganon din si Senator Kiko Pangilinan, ang forte niya agriculture. Siguro [siya] hahawak ng committee on agriculture,' he added. (Same goes for Senator Bam Aquino who has an advocacy on education. Maybe we should give him the committee on basic education. Same with Senator Kiko Pangilinan who has a forte in agriculture. Maybe he should lead the committee on agriculture.) He said first time Senator Rodante Marcoleta may also be the next chairman of the Senate committee on accountability of public officers and investigations, commonly known as the Blue Ribbon Committee. Estrada further hinted that Senator Sherwin Gatchalian may next lead the Senate committee on finance, while Senator Mark Villar may chair the Senate committee on public works. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
05-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Comelec affirms dismissal of DQ petition vs. Erwin Tulfo
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has upheld a decision junking a petition for the disqualification of incoming Senator Erwin Tulfo. In a seven-page resolution dated June 5, 2025, the poll body said the motion for reconsideration filed by Toto Bunyog Causing and Graft-free Philippines Foundation Inc. was rejected for having no merit. 'The Commission En Banc finds it unnecessary to discuss the same, considering that no merit has been found in any of the arguments raised in this Motion for Reconsideration,' the resolution read. Among the reasons the petitioners cited in Tulfo's disqualification case are his US citizenship and violation of the equal access to opportunities for public service. Comelec reiterated that 'lack of Philippine citizenship, violation of the equal access clause and the political dynasty prohibition, and failure to meet academic qualifications are not grounds for disqualification.' On May 23, the Comelec junked Tulfo's disqualification case over petitioners' failure to observe certain requirements.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
‘Tapat na serbisyo, sapat na benepisyo,' UAE-based OFWs ask of new senators
With the official proclamation of the 12 newly elected senators from the May 2025 midterm polls by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across the globe are once again placing their hopes on the country's new leaders. Migrant workers, particularly those in the UAE, have voiced their long-standing calls for better governance and stronger protection of their rights, as well as support for the families they've left behind in the Philippines. Now, as the 20th Congress prepares to convene, all eyes are on this new batch of lawmakers, a mix of returning and first-time senators, who bring with them a range of promises and advocacies. OFWs and their families are watching closely, hoping these will soon be transformed into concrete policies and meaningful reforms. What OFWs really want Amid all the promises and platforms raised during the campaign period, many OFWs share a common plea: for elected officials to lead with transparency and genuine public service. In a recent Tanong ng Bayan post, the prevailing sentiments highlighted a strong desire for a cleaner government, streamlined systems, and more efficient public services. Key concerns included simplifying the process for returning workers, especially concerning the overseas employment certificate (OEC), which serves as an exit clearance for departing OFWs, as well as ensuring that government agencies uphold integrity and compassion in serving the Filipino people. 'Sana magtrabaho sila nang tama para sa mga mamamayang Pilipino,' an Abu Dhabi-based OFW said. 'Maging honest sila sa kanilang serbisyo,' another commenter wrote. Ahmad Taurac, an admin clerk and Dubai-based OFW, also captured what many others have been echoing for years. First on the list: scrap the OEC, a document many view as an outdated burden. He also called for easier access to government assistance, discounted airfare for migrant workers, and livelihood support for those returning home. 'Bigyan ng kabuhayan ang mga OFW na umuwing walang ipon upang hindi na bumalik pa sa abroad,' he said, adding that the newly elected leaders should also push for their families welfare, such as providing health insurance coverage and free education for their children. Ahmad Taurac, OFW for 13 years in the UAE As the 2025 midterm elections end, let's look back on how several senatorial candidates, now officially proclaimed senators, placed the rights and welfare of OFWs at the center of their platforms—commitments that were largely highlighted in public forums, media interviews, and campaign rallies. Expanding health and social benefits Erwin Tulfo/FB Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo wants to ensure that OFWs retire with dignity. He proposes a dedicated pension fund, separate from the Social Security System, where both the government and workers contribute. Tulfo highlighted the reality that many OFWs return home without savings and often depend on their children, underscoring the urgent need for long-term financial support. Kiko Pangilinan/FB Meanwhile, Senator-elect Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan is pushing for stronger healthcare and social protection. He aims to expand PhilHealth insurance coverage for the migrant workers and improve government assistance for their urgent medical concerns through strategic partnerships with various host countries. Pangilinan also advocates for a comprehensive reintegration program to ease their transition back home after years abroad. Strengthening support, policies Camille Villar/FB Millennial Senator-elect Camille Villar also promised a more responsive government for Filipino workers abroad. She plans to establish a dedicated hotline for legal aid and repatriation, while also pushing financial literacy programs for OFWs and their families. Building on her father Manny Villar's legacy, she vows to continue initiatives like the 'Sagip-OFW Helpline,' which she deemed helpful in repatriating thousands of distressed Filipinos abroad. Ping Lacson/FB Sea-based OFWs were also given attention as Senator-elect Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson has pledged to ensure better protection for seafarers. He noted that Filipino seafarers deserve access to affordable education and training, suggesting that the government should provide subsidies similar to those offered under the Free Tertiary Education Act. Other newly elected senators have also voiced support for broader advocacies that could benefit not only OFWs but also their families, including affordable education, youth empowerment, law enforcement, government transparency, agriculture, and women's rights. Shared hopes Now that these senators have been officially elected, OFWs from different parts of the world are hopeful that their promises won't remain mere words. With millions of Filipino workers continuing to sacrifice and contribute to the nation's economy from abroad, they look to the new Senate to take real, lasting action that reflects the value of every modern-day hero.
GMA Network
23-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Erwin Tulfo takes oath as senator before barangay captain in Quiapo
Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo on Friday took his oath of office in Quiapo, Manila. Tulfo was sworn in by his good friend Barangay Chairperson Johnny Dela Cruz at around 9:00 a.m. in Barangay 307, Zone 30, Quiapo, Manila. In an interview with reporters, Tulfo said he chose to take his oath before a barangay captain in Quiapo, Manila because he is a devotee of the Black Nazarene. 'Mas pinili ko dito sa barangay, dahil barangay is the first line na nakikita ng tao…ibig sabihin mas malapit ang mga tao sa barangay. So I chose to swear in dito sa aming kaibigan na barangay captain kasi 'yun din 'yung purpose natin, gusto natin na medyo mas mapalapit sa tao, mas mabilis nating maririnig ang kanilang mga reklamo,' Tulfo said. The incoming senator also said this decision to take oath in a barangay hall is in line with his promise to push for a salary standardization law for barangay officials. Apart from this, Tulfo reiterated his commitment to review the Rice Tariffication Law, file bills on national land use and PhilHealth benefits reform. Asked about his preparations for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Tulfo said he wants to see the pieces of evidence first. 'Maraming sinasabi na guilty si VP Sara, gusto ko makita…kailangan makita 'yung ebidensya,' he said. 'Pag judge ka, dapat neutral ka hanggang sa mabasa mo na lahat, makita mo na lahat,' he added. Tulfo will be joining his brother Senator Raffy Tulfo in the upper chamber in the 20th Congress after landing fourth in the 2025 senatorial race with over 17 million votes.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
