Latest news with #Tulfo
GMA Network
15 hours ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Senate eyes policy review on Filipino seafarers' deployment to high-risk areas
A vessel said to be Greek-operated, Liberia-flagged MV Eternity C sinks in a video footage released by Yemen's Houthis, in the Red Sea, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released on July 9, 2025. The vessel had 21 Filipino crew members, more than half of whom remain missing as of July 10, 2025. HOUTHI MEDIA CENTER/Handout via REUTERS Senator Raffy Tulfo said Thursday that he will propose a hearing, in aid of legislation, to review and outline new policies and regulations on the deployment of Filipino seafarers to high-risk waters. Tulfo, chairman of the Senate committee on migrant workers, said this following reports that nine Filipino sailors are currently being held by Houthi rebels in Yemen. 'Kabilang sa mga tatalakayin ay kung dapat na bang magkaroon ng mandatory security assessment sa mga mapanganib na ruta, at kung kinakailangan nang magpatupad ng total deployment ban sa mga lugar na may mataas na banta sa buhay at kaligtasan ng ating mga seafarers,' the senator said in a statement. (Among the things that will be discussed is if there's a need to have a mandatory security assessment on dangerous routes, and if it is necessary to implement a total deployment ban in areas with a high threat to the lives and safety of our seafarers.) The Iran-backed Houthis earlier released footage of crew members who were missing after attacks on the cargo ships Eternity C and Magic Seas, claiming in an accompanying statement to have "rescued" the mariners. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega had confirmed that the Houthis were holding nine Filipino seafarers. According to Tulfo, he has asked Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac to ensure the Filipino seafarers' safety and their swift return to their families. 'Isang malaking bagay ang makumpirma nating buhay pa ang ating mga kababayang tripulante. Kaya't agad kong iminungkahi kay Sec. Cacdac na gawin ng DMW at mga kaukulang ahensya ang lahat ng kinakailangang hakbang upang matiyak ang kanilang kaligtasan at mapalaya sila sa lalong madaling panahon,' the senator said. (It's good to know that the Filipino crew members are still alive. I immediately suggested to Sec. Cacdac that the DMW and relevant agencies take all the necessary steps to ensure their safety and release as soon as possible.) In 2024, the DMW issued guidelines for licensed manning agencies to observe should Filipino seafarers be assigned on ships that would ply high-risk and conflict areas. The guidelines were released 'in the paramount interest of the continued safety and well-being of all Filipino seafarers on-board ships and in light of the increasing incidence of piracy, hijacking, and/or armed violence against ships passing through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding areas/waters.' — RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Senate to hold hearing on online gambling
Senator Erwin Tulfo announced Wednesday that he will spearhead a Senate investigation into the proliferation of online gambling in the country, as he joined calls in Congress for its total ban. Tulfo, chairman of the Senate games and amusement committee, said that he will invite the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Department of Finance (DOF) to the hearing which may begin early next week. He also said he wants to hear the stance of his fellow senators and other stakeholders regarding online gaming, as some have been pushing for its total prohibition, while others only want its strict regulation. 'But if I can have it my way, kung ako ang tatanungin personally, I want this online gambling stopped. Kung ako po ang masusunod, ora mismo, dapat itigil na ang online gambling because of the fact na masama na po ang nangyayari,' Tulfo said in a press conference. (But if I can have it my way, if I'm asked personally, I want this online gambling stopped. If I am the one to be followed, then we should ban online gambling right now because what is happening right now is bad.) The first-termer senator also expressed disappointment with the congressman who was seen watching e-sabong on his phone while members of the lower chamber were voting for House Speaker during Monday's session. The younger Tulfo said that the congressman should apologize or explain why he was doing such while the House session was ongoing. 'Tapos the Congress should ask for an explanation. Why? Imbes na magtrabaho sila, nagbobotohan sila, serious business 'yung araw na 'yun diba, nagbobotohan ng Speaker. Bakit ka nagsusugal? Number two, bawal naman 'yun. First place, bawal talaga 'yung sugal. Ano explanation? There's no explanation,' Erwin Tulfo said. (Then the Congress should ask for an explanation. Instead of working since that day was a serious business, why were they gambling? Number two, that's not allowed. In the first place, gambling is really not allowed. What's the explanation? There's no explanation.) 'Gambling capital of Asia' In his privilege speech during Wednesday's session, Senator Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri also put on record that he was 'extremely disappointed' that President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. did not mention anything about the ills of online gambling during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28. 'Shame on you PAGCOR, shame on you operators of online gambling. Kung may isang Pilipino tayong tinutulungan dahil sa kinikita ng bayan dahil sa online gambling, panigurado ako na libo libong Pilipino ang nagdurusa ngayon at lubog sa utang dahil nalulong sa gambling,' he said. (Shame on you PAGCOR, shame on you operators of online gambling. If we're helping one Filipino because of the benefits of online gambling, I'm sure that thousands of Filipinos are suffering now and drowning in debt because they are addicted to it.) To recall, Zubiri filed a bill seeking an outright ban on all forms of online gambling, including digital betting platforms, mobile applications, and websites that allow users to place wagers through electronic devices. He said that the Philippines is now the 'gambling capital of Asia,' besting Macau and Cambodia. Several senators such as Loren Legarda, Raffy Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Pangilinan expressed manifestations of support for the total ban of online gambling during the ongoing plenary session. Flood control Further, Erwin Tulfo also filed a resolution directing the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the reported abuse of flood control programs and related projects, in a bid to address the country's flooding problem. In proposed Senate Resolution No. 31, the younger Tulfo emphasized that despite the continuous implementation of flood control projects funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA), widespread and severe flooding continues to affect many areas. 'Considering the persistent and widespread occurrence of flooding nationwide, despite significant budgetary allocation, there exists a compelling and immediate necessity to develop and execute a comprehensive, integrated flood control master plan,' the resolution read. 'Moreover, it is imperative to assess and determine flood control projects that are inconsistent with the administration's infrastructure priorities, with due regard to the urgency of need, implementation readiness, and the absorptive capacity of DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) and other concerned agencies,' it added. During his fourth SONA, Marcos ordered the DPWH to submit a list of flood control projects in the last three years. The President said there will be a regional monitoring committee that will examine the projects to see their progress and if they exist. "We will publish this list so that the public can see it," Marcos said. "At the same time, there will be an audit and performance review of these projects to check and make sure and to know how your money was spent." "Sa mga susunod na buwan, makakasuhan ang mga lalabas na maysala mula sa imbestigasyon pati na ang kasabwat na kontratista sa buong bansa. Kailangan malaman ng taumbayan and katotohanan, kailangan may managot sa matinding pinsala at katiwalian," the President added. (In the next few months, those found guilty based on the investigation will be charged, as well as their accomplice contractor. The people need to know the truth, someone needs to be held accountable for their consequences and corruption.) —LDF, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
20-07-2025
- Filipino Times
Tulfo Wants Airport Staff Fired Over Jewelry Theft at NAIA
Senator Raffy Tulfo called on airlines and security agencies to fire ground handling staff allegedly involved in the theft of ₱500,000 worth of jewelry at NAIA Terminal 3. The victim, Kimberly Nakamura, lost the items before a Singapore-bound flight on June 28 but later recovered them after CCTV footage helped trace the theft. Tulfo's office said the individuals were already identified and referred to the New Naia Infra Corp, the Civil Aeronautics Board, and the airlines involved. However, since Nakamura chose not to press charges after getting her jewelry back, the Department of Transportation cannot file a criminal case without her consent. Despite this, Tulfo urged the companies to still impose sanctions, including termination, to show that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Filipino Times
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Tulfo Urges Probe, Penalties for Gov't Officials Tied to Online Gambling
Senator Raffy Tulfo has called for a thorough investigation and strict sanctions against government officials allegedly involved in the rise of online gambling in the Philippines. In a press briefing, Tulfo stressed that public officials should act in the interest of Filipinos, not in support of businesses that harm the public. He urged concerned agencies to file complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan against officials proven to be complicit. Tulfo also announced plans to file a bill seeking a total ban on all forms of online gambling in the country, including those accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). He argued that mere regulation is not enough to curb the industry's harmful effects. He cited alarming reports of young students becoming addicted to online gambling, neglecting school, and even resorting to theft. 'It's time to step on the brakes,' he said, insisting that the social costs far outweigh potential government revenues, estimated at ₱140 billion. Tulfo expressed hope that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will address online gambling in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), calling it a pressing national issue.
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
