Erwin Tulfo Seeks at Least 6 Months to Prove Mettle at DSWD

Incoming social welfare secretary Erwin Tulfo said Wednesday he was giving himself six months to one year to make the agency more responsive to people's needs, or else he would offer to resign.

Among others, the TV anchor said ayuda or relief in calamity areas should be delivered in "24 hours or less." Tulfo cited his 22-year-long career in the media where he carried the family's brand of journalism with public service.

He will be one of two Tulfos in government office starting noon of June 30. Brother Raffy Tulfo was elected senator, placing third behind actor Robin Padilla and former Sen. Loren Legarda.

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"'Pag 'di po natin nagawa 'yan at lalo pang sumama ang burukrasya, tumindi pa ang red tape, lalong nagkaron ng korapsyon pa, ako na mismo magsasabi sa pangulo, 'Mr. President, palitan n'yo na po ako kasi ineffective po ako.'"

Asked if he would tender an irrevocable resignation in that eventuality, Tulfo said: "Bakit ko pa lalong aantayin na lalong mapahiya pa at pamahiya ng nag-appoint sa iyo, appointing authority, in this case the president, na magiging bagahe ka pa sa kanya so might as well step down."

"Basta sa akin trabaho lang, papakita ko lang na magtatrabaho ako at wala tayong pipiliin saan lugar ka man o anong naging kulay mo man -- pula, pink, yellow -- pagka kailangan mo ng tulong, tutulungan ka namin kasi 'yun din naman ang utos ni incoming president Bongbong Marcos."

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