Erwin Tulfo: Duterte impeachment not a ‘teleserye,' vows fair judgment in senate trial
Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo said he is prepared to fulfill his role as an impeachment judge in the upcoming Senate trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing the need for impartiality and evidence-based decision-making.
'This isn't a teleserye. We're talking about removing the second-highest official in the land from office, and possibly barring her from running again. That's not something we take lightly,' Tulfo told NewsWatch Plus in an interview.
The incoming senator, who placed fourth in the May 2025 elections, said his background in journalism will help him navigate the proceedings with fairness and objectivity.
'As journalists, we're trained to look at both sides. May nag-aakusa—what's your evidence? The defense—what do they have? You weigh the facts. Ganun din dapat dito,' he said.
Tulfo emphasized that any ruling should rely strictly on the merits of the case.
'Kung mali, then so be it. Bahala nang magalit ang iba. But if it lacks merit, then we dismiss it. Why waste time? The public will be watching us closely,' he added.
Tulfo's comments reflect a broader call from newly elected senators to uphold fairness and transparency. Senator Bong Go, who topped the senatorial race, said the trial must depend entirely on evidence: 'Kung walang ebidensya, eh 'di wala. Sayang lang 'yung oras kung ipipilit.'
Returning Senator Ping Lacson said the House must present strong and credible proof to persuade at least 16 senators to convict Duterte. 'We will be answerable to the Filipino people,' he said.
Other senators echoed similar sentiments. Senator Imee Marcos pledged to scrutinize the evidence thoroughly, while Duterte ally Senator Rodante Marcoleta claimed the case was flawed from the beginning.
The Senate trial is scheduled to begin on July 30.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
3 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE lauded as global leader in migrant worker welfare by Philippine official
2 June 2025 08:23 DUBAI (WAM) Undersecretary for Welfare and Foreign Employment at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines, Hans Leo Cacdac, has praised the UAE as a leading model for protecting and caring for workers' statements to WAM during the "Kalayaan 2025" Philippine independence celebration in Dubai, Cacdac commended the UAE's efforts in ensuring worker dignity and highlighted the strength of bilateral relations, particularly in migrant worker protection, and expressed optimism for enhanced partnerships. Cacdac affirmed the strong ties between the two nations, noting the DMW's commitment to strengthening cooperation for the benefit of Filipino workers in the UAE. He extended gratitude for the UAE's continuous support, emphasising the importance of ongoing dialogue to improve migrant worker conditions. The grand celebration was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in Dubai today.
Al Etihad
14 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Nahyan bin Mubarak attends 'Emirates Loves Philippines' celebration marking 127th Philippine Independence Day
1 June 2025 21:13 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended a major celebration marking the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence 'Kalayaan 2025.'Hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre and organised by the 'Emirates Loves Philippines' platform in collaboration with the Dubai Police, the event brought together over 40,000 members of the Filipino community in the UAE, along with government officials, diplomats, and social and economic figures from the community. Strong and growing UAE–Philippines relationship In his opening speech, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak congratulated the Filipino community on this important national day and said, "I am delighted to be with you this evening to celebrate the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.""On behalf of the people of the United Arab Emirates, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and warmest greetings to the people of the Philippines here and around the world. This day marks not only your independence, but your enduring spirit of resilience, community, and optimism. It is a day of pride, and one you have every reason to celebrate, said His Excellency."He added that the UAE is pleased to call the Philippines a close friend and valued partner. "Across this nation, and across the decades, hundreds of thousands of Filipino people have made their mark. Your knowledge, skills, creativity, and compassion have enriched many sectors of our society – from healthcare and education to hospitality, finance, entrepreneurship, and the arts."His Excellency emphasised that "although our two countries may be separated by geography, we are united by shared values: openness, optimism, mutual respect, and a belief in the dignity of every individual."He noted that the UAE's success story is a shared story. "We are a global crossroads. A place where more than 200 nationalities live and work side by side. A place where peace and prosperity are made possible by welcoming people from every walk of life."He affirmed that under the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and of all of our national leaders, the country has embraced human fraternity, coexistence, compassion, and achievement as national pillars."This celebration today,' His Excellency stated, 'is a reflection of that vision. It is a reflection of how the UAE honours every culture and every heritage that we host in our country, as well as the role that each community plays in building this great nation."He went on to say, 'In that spirit of inclusion, unity, and celebration, I would like to share with you a new national initiative that is very close to my heart.'Announcing the initiative, His Excellency said that as Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and in partnership with Sandooq Al Watan, a writing competition titled 'What the UAE Means to Me' has been clarified that this initiative, aligned with the Year of Community, is a call to every resident – young and old, citizens and expatriates, professionals and students – to share their story and their voice.'This competition,' he explained, 'invites participants to reflect on what the UAE has meant to them. Submissions can be a short story, a poem, a letter, an essay, or another creative expression, and written in either Arabic or English.'He expressed confidence that many of the most moving and powerful entries will come from the Filipino community – from those who arrived with a dream and built a future, from mothers and fathers raising families, from nurses and teachers, from innovators and caregivers, and from artists and engineers.'Your stories matter,' His Excellency emphasised, 'and the rest of us would love to hear from you.'He urged everyone to visit the website and submit their called on the audience, saying, 'Please encourage your families, your children, your co-workers, and your neighbours. Invite them to put into words their experience of life in the UAE. Let your stories inspire others, and let your words help express what makes our country so uniquely united in diversity.'He further stated that winning entries will be published in two commemorative book series, one in Arabic and one in English, and winners will be celebrated at a major national ceremony and will receive meaningful prizes."This is more than a competition," he concluded. "It is a legacy. It is a national expression of who we are, together."In closing, His Excellency reiterated his deepest thanks and warmest congratulations, saying that the Filipino community represents everything the UAE stands for: courage, generosity, family, achievement, and the belief that when we come together across cultures and borders, we can build a more tolerant, inclusive, and prosperous world.'As I look around this joyful celebration tonight,' he remarked, 'I see the colours, sounds, and soul of the Philippines, right here in the UAE. It makes me happy to stand with you. And it fills me with pleasure to be part of your celebration.' 'What the UAE Means to Me' Writing Competition The 'What the UAE Means to Me' writing competition, supported by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and Sandooq Al Watan invites UAE citizens and residents to share their personal stories and experiences, celebrating the nation's vibrant culture, heritage, and values of tolerance. Participants can submit entries in various formats—short stories, articles, Nabati and classical poetry, reflections, or letters, focusing on their connection to the UAE's cohesive community and national identity. This initiative aims to strengthen social bonds, promote cultural diversity, and foster pride in the UAE's unique qualities. Selected writings will be published and widely distributed, amplifying voices that embody the UAE's spirit of unity and coexistence, making it a meaningful contribution to community engagement and national pride. Full Day of Celebrations Also speaking at the event, Honourable Hans Cacdac, Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines, added, "Kalayaan not only commemorates our independence but also highlights the strong partnership that enables Filipinos to contribute meaningfully to both nations." Supported by The Philippine Business Council - Dubai and Northern Emirates, Dubai Police, and Dubai Immigration, the event was further distinguished by the attendance of His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai. The event also saw the attendance of Honourable Arvic V. Arevalo, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi; Honourable Marford Angeles, Consul General of the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates; and Manal Obaid Bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team of the UAE Food Bank. Performances by renowned artists from The Filipino Channel, including Kai Montinola, Jarren Garcia, Julia Barretto, and Mj Cayabyab of VIVAONE, electrified the crowd, showcasing the incredible talents of the Filipino event also featured cultural and modern performances from Filipino artists across the UAE, as well as contributions from Filipino businesses and small-scale entrepreneurs."Kalayaan is an event by the community for the community. It has become the ultimate showcase of the best of the Filipino spirit, uniting us all in celebration," said Elena C. Cruz, Founder and CEO of Infinite 12-hour celebration was a vibrant tribute to the Filipino spirit. Attendees enjoyed a wide range of cultural, musical, and traditional performances. The programme featured singing, folk dancing, kids' entertainment zones, cosplay shows, video gaming corners, art exhibitions, food stalls serving Filipino favourites, and a dedicated education area for Filipino included an exciting stunt bike, raffles, and the special 'Cargo Village' area, a space that brought together leading shipping companies under the umbrella of the Philippine Business event highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and the Philippines, and reflected the respect, appreciation, and space that the UAE gives to all communities living on its was a celebration of cultural diversity, tolerance, and the friendships that make the UAE a home for strong bond between the two countries predates official diplomatic relations, which were formally established on 19 August 1974. The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi opened in 1980, followed by the UAE Embassy in Manila in 1989. Since then, bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly, and today the UAE is home to hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who play a vital role in many key sectors and in the country's continued development journey.
Filipino Times
17 hours ago
- Filipino Times
OFWs honored at Kalayaan 2025 in Dubai
Overseas Filipino workers took center stage at the opening of Kalayaan 2025, a celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day, held at Dubai World Trade Centre. Thousands of Filipinos from across the UAE gathered to mark the occasion, which opened with vibrant cultural displays and messages recognizing the vital role of OFWs in shaping the nation's identity and supporting its economy. Hon. Marford Angeles, Consul General of the Philippines in Dubai and the Northern Emirates In his keynote address, Hon. Marford Angeles, Consul General of the Philippines in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, paid tribute to the over 1 million Filipinos living and working in the UAE. He reflected on how the country's national heroes were the first to bring global attention to the Philippines, likening their efforts to today's OFWs, whom he described as modern-day heroes. He highlighted how cumulative OFW remittances reached a record US$38.34 billion in 2024, with a 'big chunk' coming from the UAE. He also noted that the UAE posted the highest overseas voter turnout in the last elections, with nearly 39,000 Filipinos casting their votes. 'Kayo ay mga bayani dahil araw-araw, gumigising kayo upang harapin ang hamon ng buhay. Araw-araw, gumigising kayo upang mapabilib ang inyong mga boss at mga katrabaho. Araw-araw, gumigising kayo at nagtatrabaho para sa inyong pamilya,' he added. Consul General Angeles also acknowledged the role of Filipinos in the UAE's multicultural society, calling them the 'glue' that connects over 200 nationalities. 'You represent compassion, brilliance, talent, and professionalism in the global stage,' he added. Mr. Arvic Arevalo, Deputy Head of Mission at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi Meanwhile, Mr. Arvic Arevalo, Deputy Head of Mission at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, echoed this recognition and praised OFWs working across various sectors including healthcare, engineering, education, and entrepreneurship. 'Through your hard work, dedication, and integrity, you continue to uplift the image of the Filipinos every day. Sa paggunita natin ng Araw ng Kalayaan, let us continue to bring with us the values of our homeland: tapang, malasakit, at bayanihan,' he said in his message. The opening day began with a parade of Filipino organizations, followed by a lively celebration featuring booths offering Filipino food, local products, and community services. Attendees were treated to a variety of performances—both traditional and contemporary. Presented by Emirates Loves Philippines, Infinite Communities, and The Filipino Channel, Kalayaan 2025 is open to the public and continues until 8 PM today, with cultural showcases, exhibits, and entertainment. The event serves as a reminder of the strength and unity of the Filipino community abroad, and a celebration of freedom, identity, and shared heritage.
