Erwin Tulfo, bumuwelta kay Pia Cayetano sa “walang kumusta” na pahayag sa Senado

• Erwin Tulfo denied Senator Pia Cayetano’s claim that minority bloc senators did not reach out during the Senate shooting incident
• Tulfo said messages were exchanged through an official WhatsApp group involving both majority and minority senators
• He cited that Senators Kiko Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Camille Villar were part of the chat updates
• Tulfo renewed calls for a full Senate investigation into the shooting and related security and accountability concerns

Senator Erwin Tulfo has denied allegations made by Senator Pia Cayetano regarding the lack of communication from minority bloc senators during the Senate shooting incident on May 13. The clarification follows Cayetano’s claim that she did not receive any messages or check-ins from colleagues during the tense situation.

Tulfo said communication was actively happening through a WhatsApp group involving both majority and minority senators of the 20th Congress.

“Hindi po. Yung kanyang emosyon po ay siguro po dala po ng takot. Pero noong sinabi niya po na wala pong nangumusta. Meron po kami yung chat group po sa WhatsApp. Lahat po ng mga members ng majority at saka ng mga minority yung 20th Congress na chat group,” Tulfo said.

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He said several senators were sending updates during the incident.

“Meron po nagpadala po ng message. Nakita po doon si Senator Kiko, Senator Bam, Senator Sherwin, maging ako po, yung sa akin po, ipinadala ko po around 9:57. Tapos sumagot po yung si Senadora Camille, sabi niya, 'Thank you, we're all okay,’” he said.

Tulfo said senators inside the chamber were able to respond in real time.

“Nag-message naman po kami sa WhatsApp group po namin. Ewan ko kung bakit hindi po nabasa ni Senator Pia po ‘yun,” he added.

He also shared that he sent a message while traveling.

“Ang mensahe ko po ay sabi ko, ‘Praying for all of you’ kasi nga po papunta po ako ng Baclaran po noon,” Tulfo said.

Tulfo questioned why Cayetano may not have seen the messages, stressing that communication was active during the crisis.

Cayetano earlier became emotional after remarks from Senator Risa Hontiveros about the Senate’s return to normal operations following the shooting incident.

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He stressed that clarity and transparency are needed to avoid misinformation and maintain public trust.

Erwin Tulfo is a Filipino politician, news anchor, and columnist who currently serves as a member of the Senate of the Philippines. Prior to his election to the Senate, he established a prominent career in public service as a television and radio host, a representative for the ACT-CIS Partylist, and the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development.

In another report, Ogie Diaz took aim at Sen. Rodante Marcoleta after his strong statements regarding alleged discussions of a possible Senate realignment. Marcoleta had earlier labeled as “traitors” those who might consider shifting support within the Senate majority bloc. Ogie, however, implied that such remarks may reflect concern over potential changes in political alliances within the chamber. The controversy comes amid ongoing tensions following the unrest that happened in the Senate on May 13.

Meanwhile, Mariel Padilla shared a heartfelt reflection about her husband, Sen. Robin Padilla, as he continues to face challenges in the political arena. She said that what made her fall in love with him more was his sincerity and his strong desire to serve and help others despite constant criticism. Senator Imee Marcos, for her part, described politics as a difficult and relentless environment filled with pressure and attacks. Mariel added that she believes Robin still has more to accomplish in his public service journey.

Source: KAMI.com.gh