The Honorable
Raffy Tulfo
Tulfo in 2022
Senator of the Philippines
Assumed office
June 30, 2022
Chair of the Senate Energy Committee
Assumed office
July 25, 2022
Preceded byWin Gatchalian
Chair of the Senate Migrant Workers Committee
Assumed office
July 25, 2022
Personal details
Born
Rafael Teshiba Tulfo

(1960-03-12) March 12, 1960[1]
Quezon City, Philippines[2]
Political partyIndependent
Spouse
​
(m. 1993)​
RelationsRamon Tulfo (brother)
Wanda Tulfo Teo (sister)
Ben Tulfo (brother)
Erwin Tulfo (brother)
Children
  • Grendy Licup Tulfo (b. 1984)[lower-alpha 1]
  • Maricel Tulfo (b. 1992)
  • Ralph Tulfo (b. 1996)
Occupation
YouTube information
Also known asIdol
Action Man (Wanted)
Channels
Years active2016–present
Genre(s)Commentary, news, public service
Subscribers26.7 million
Total views15.1 billion
NetworkABC/TV5 (1997–2006, 2010–2021)
DZXL (1994–2011)
RPN (1996–2002)
PTV/NBN (1995–2002)
100,000 subscribers
1,000,000 subscribers
10,000,000 subscribers
Last updated: August 29, 2023

Rafael Teshiba Tulfo (born March 12, 1960), popularly known as Raffy Tulfo or Idol Raffy (Tagalog: [ˈɾapɪ ˈtulpɔ]),[5] is a Filipino politician, broadcast journalist, and media personality currently serving as a Senator of the Philippines since 2022.[6]

His works are focused on government and private sector issues, and he is best known as the host of the long-running public affairs radio program Wanted sa Radyo, and the former anchor of Aksyon sa Tanghali from 2014 to 2020 that featured the segment Ipa-Raffy Tulfo Mo.[7] His YouTube channel Raffy Tulfo in Action, which features videos from both shows, is the third-most subscribed Filipino YouTube channel as of 2021.[8][9] Tulfo sought a seat in the Philippine senate in the 2022 election[10] and won placing third overall with 23 million votes.[11] Tulfo serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy[12] and Senate Committee on Migrant Workers.

Early life

Tulfo in 2021

Raffy Tulfo was born as Rafael Teshiba Tulfo in Quezon City on March 12, 1960. He is the son of Ramon Tulfo Sr., a colonel in the Philippine Constabulary,[13] and Caridad Teshiba-Tulfo, a housewife. He is the eighth out of ten siblings which includes broadcasters Ramon, Ben, and Erwin as well as former tourism secretary Wanda Corazon Teo.[14][15]

A college dropout, Tulfo spent four years in different universities and studied several majors including economics, political science, agribusiness and commerce but did not finish a degree before becoming a journalist.[16]

Political career

On October 2, 2021, Tulfo filed his certificate of candidacy for senator as an independent candidate for the 2022 senatorial election.[17] On February 8, 2022, he joined the senatorial slate of presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao.[18] Tulfo finished in third place, receiving 23,396,954 votes, and was proclaimed as Senator on May 18, 2022.[11] Tulfo was later elected as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy.[12]

Senate

At the start of the 19th Congress in July 2022, Tulfo filed his priority bills which include protecting Filipino workers from abusive employers and providing discounts for poor job applicants. He also filed a bill amending the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act to protect all family members from violence.[19] Amid rising electricity rates in Mindanao and other parts of the Philippines in August 2022, Tulfo called for a Senate investigation into the rotational blackouts in the country and filed a Senate resolution seeking to avert the imminent energy crisis.[20]

In 2023, Tulfo filed a bill legalizing and regulating the underground importation of ukay-ukay second-hand products which already evolved as part of Filipino culture.[21] He later filed a bill mandating all providers of critical infrastructure services such as power generation and distribution, water supply, healthcare, transportation, communications, and financial services to respond within two hours from the time of emergency service requests.[22] He also filed a bill establishing security monitoring systems such as CCTV cameras in all prison cells to ensure the safety of inmates and prison personnel.[23] Between February and April, Tulfo filed Senate resolutions seeking to probe reports of bullying within the hospital hierarchy,[24] investigate reported delays of the Social Security System in processing retirement and death claims of its members,[25] conduct an inquiry into reported inhumane treatment of patients and possible corruption at the National Center for Mental Health,[26] and investigate "arrogant and condescending" government employees which he says are creating "an atmosphere of fear and mistrust" in government institutions.[27] Amid several power outages in Luzon and growing tension between the Philippines and China in May 2023, Tulfo filed a senate resolution investigating the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to verify if it poses a threat to national security for being 40 percent owned by the State Grid Corporation of China.[28]

Controversies

In 1999, Tulfo wrote a series of articles in his Abante-Tonite column alleging anomalous and illegal activities by officials of the Bureau of Customs. Tulfo, together with publisher Allen Macasaet and managing editor Nicolas Quijano Jr., were charged with libel by customs lawyer Carlos So on April 12, 1999.[29] On February 28, 2005, the Pasay City Regional Trial Court found Tulfo, Macasaet and Quiano guilty of 14 counts of libel and were sentenced to up to 32 years of imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of ₱14,700,000 total.[30][31] On June 29, 2021, the Supreme Court acquitted Tulfo of the libel charges.[32][33]

On March 24, 2004, Tulfo published an article in his Abante-Tonite column accusing businessman Michael Guy of seeking help from former finance secretary Juanita Amatong to halt a tax fraud investigation by the Department of Finance’s Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS). The claim was proven false, however, as the RIPS only investigates government officials and did not have jurisdiction over Guy.[34] On February 24, 2010, the Makati Regional Trial Court convicted Tulfo and seven representatives from Abante's publisher of libel and were ordered to pay a total of ₱10,211,200 to Michael Guy for damages and attorney's fees.[34] In July 2019, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction and increased the amount of damages needed to be paid.[35][36]

In January 2007, Tulfo and his brothers Ramon and Erwin, each posted bail after a Quezon City Regional Trial Court judge issued warrants for their arrests following a libel complaint by then-first gentleman Mike Arroyo.[37] The brothers have previously accused Arroyo of using his influence to force the government-sequestered station RPN to cancel their investigative news program Isumbong Mo: Tulfo Brothers.[38] On July 16, 2007, the libel case against the brothers was dismissed.[39]

In June 2014, Tulfo again posted bail for an arrest warrant issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court after Senior Police Officer III Abubakhar Manlangit filed a libel case against him and his brother Erwin.[40] The policeman, who appeared in a November 15, 2011, episode of T3, also filed an MTRCB complaint against the brothers after being called a "thief" on air which contributed to a 20-day suspension of the program.[41]

On April 18, 2022, Tulfo's Senate bid faced a disqualification case due his conviction for the crime of libel.[42]

In 2023, the Daily Tribune reported that Raffy Tulfo has been a product endorser of the 1UP brand by Superbreakthrough Enterprises, a company which the Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a cease and desist order for illegally soliciting investments.[43] Tulfo's camp has reasoned that his endorsement is on assuring the quality of 1UP products rather than the operations of Superbreakthrough.[44]

Personal life

Tulfo is married to Jocelyn Pua, the incumbent representative for ACT-CIS Partylist since 1993. They had two wedding ceremonies – at the Office of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Luna, Isabela on June 24, 1993, and at the Little Quiapo restaurant in Quezon City on January 20, 1995. Together, they have two children and one grandson.[45] His daughter Maricel (born 1992) also hosts his programs Wanted sa Radyo and Idol in Action. His son Ralph Wendell (born 1996) is the incumbent representative of the 2nd district of Quezon City since 2022.

Julieta Nacpil Licup claimed that she and Tulfo married on October 25, 1982, at a civil wedding in Capas, Tarlac with supporting evidence and they have one daughter named Grendy, born in 1984. In addition, Julieta also claimed that Tulfo left her when she was five months pregnant with their child because of a misunderstanding. Because they were not able to communicate with each other thereafter in 1984, Julieta thought that Tulfo was dead and filed paperwork within the Philippine courts with evidence of her attempts at finding him. The courts approved her petition to his presumptive death and she was able to remarry an American in 1992. As a result, Tulfo was sued for bigamy on June 10, 2019, as their marriage was not annulled.[46][47] She also claimed that Tulfo also married another woman named Celedonia Amos in the United States in 1985.[3] He also faced a disqualification case before Commission on Elections given those claims of his past marriages, but was later junked by the Commission's 2nd division because it "does not pertain to his qualification for elective office."[4][48]

Filmography

Television

YearTitleRoleNetwork
1993–2006Isumbong Mo Kay TulfoHostRPN
1995–1998Pangunahing Balita Ala-UnaNews AnchorPTV
1996–2002Philippines' Most WantedHostPTV/NBN
ABC
1998–2001Pambansang Balita Ala-UnaNews AnchorPTV
1997–2004Balitang BalitaNews AnchorABC
2002–2003Task Force SiyasatHost
2003–2005Problema Mo, Sagot Ko!Host
2004–2006SentroNews Anchor
2005–2006Kamao ReloadedHostNBN
2006Isumbong Mo: Tulfo BrothersHostRPN
2010Oplan Zero TambayHostTV5
2010–2012Balitaang TapatNews AnchorTV5
AksyonTV
Radyo5 92.3 News FM
2011WantedHostTV5
AksyonTV
2011–2016T3: AllianceHostTV5
AksyonTV
Radyo5 92.3 News FM
2013–2014Aksyon WeekendNews AnchorTV5
AksyonTV
2014–2020Aksyon sa TanghaliNews AnchorTV5
2017AmoHostTV5
Netflix
2019#TolWagTroll Respeto LangHostTV5
2019–2020One Balita PilipinasNews AnchorTV5
One PH
2020–2021Idol in ActionHost
Frontline PilipinasAnchorTV5
One PH
One News
2021Wanted: Ang SeryeHostTV5

Radio

YearTitleRoleStation
1994–2011Wanted sa RadyoHostDZXL
2011–present92.3 Radyo5 True FM

Notes

  1. ↑ As claimed by Julieta Licup Pearson, who claimed to be Tulfo's first wife.[3][4]

References

  1. ↑ "Senator Idol Raffy Tulfo". Senate.gov.ph. August 10, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Senator Idol Raffy Tulfo". Senate.gov.ph. August 10, 2023.
  3. 1 2 Navida, Janice (October 22, 2021). "Ibinulgar: Raffy, namimili ng tutulungan, dapat maiskandalo para click sa YouTube". Bulgar (in Filipino). Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  4. 1 2 CNN Philippines [@cnnphilippines] (February 17, 2022). "Comelec 2nd Division releases copy of decision junking the case vs senatorial bet Raffy Tulfo filed by his ex-wife: 'Respondent's civil status is not a material matter for the simple reason that it does not pertain to his qualification for elective office' | @meltlopez" (Tweet). Retrieved August 17, 2022 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}: |author1= has generic name (help)
  5. ↑ "59. TULFO, IDOL RAFFY". Vote Pilipinas. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  6. ↑ Vibal-Guioguio, Peachy (June 15, 2014). "The Tulfo brothers in the eyes of their children". The Philippine Star.
  7. ↑ "About | Raffy Tulfo in Action". raffytulfoinaction.com. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  8. ↑ "Top 100 YouTubers Channels in Philippines - Socialblade YouTube Stats | YouTube Statistics". socialblade.com. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  9. ↑ "YouTube: most subscribed channel in Philippines". Statista. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  10. ↑ Dumaual, Miguel (October 2, 2021). "Broadcaster Raffy Tulfo files COC for senator". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  11. 1 2 Patinio, Ferdinand (May 18, 2022). "Comelec proclaims 12 new senators". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on May 19, 2022. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  12. 1 2 Africa, Raymond (July 27, 2022). "Padilla, Tulfo get major Senate committees". Malaya. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  13. ↑ Tulfo, Ben (February 2, 2018). "Do you recognize him? He's our father. The man behind the warrior-brothers, (Ret.) Colonel Ramon Tulfo Sr., who was a member of Philippine Constabulary". Twitter.
  14. ↑ Jambora, Anne (May 13, 2021). "Caridad Tulfo–how she brought up the (in)famous brothers". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  15. ↑ "Adopted by several political parties, Tulfo joins Pacquiao in Mindanao kickoff rally". Manila Bulletin. February 8, 2022. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Huwag Ninyo Akong Tularan Raffy Tulfo Aminadong nag drop out dya sa college noon".
  17. ↑ "Broadcaster Raffy Tulfo files COC for senator". ABS-CBN News. October 2, 2021.
  18. ↑ "Adopted by several political parties, Tulfo joins Pacquiao in Mindanao kickoff rally". Manila Bulletin. February 8, 2022. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  19. ↑ Romero, Paolo (July 9, 2022). "Tulfo priority measures focus on workers, family". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  20. ↑ Casayuran, Mario (August 9, 2022). "Senators agree: High cost of electricity in countryside must be probed". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Tulfo files bill to legalize P18B 'ukay-ukay' industry". SunStar. February 6, 2023. Archived from the original on February 6, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  22. ↑ Villanueva, Angelica (March 14, 2023). "Tulfo files Senate bill for emergency services". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  23. ↑ Abasola, Leonel (March 23, 2023). "Tulfo files bill seeking security monitoring inside prison cells". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Tulfo wants to investigate bullying in hospitals". Manila Standard. February 17, 2023. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  25. ↑ Abasola, Leonel (March 22, 2023). "Tulfo seeks probe on SSS delay in processing of claims". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  26. ↑ Romero, Paolo (April 4, 2023). "Senate to probe NCMH situation". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Tulfo eyes 'Anti-Taray' bill, seeks punishment vs 'rude, snobbish' gov't workers". ABS-CBN News. April 5, 2023. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  28. ↑ Antonio, Raymund (May 16, 2023). "PBBM agrees with Sen. Tulfo: PH needs to know 'real situation' in NGCP amid security threat". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on May 18, 2023. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
  29. ↑ Republic Act No. 187113 & 187230 (January 20, 2021), Raffy T. Tulfo Vs. People of the Philippines and Atty. Carlos T. So/Allen A. Macasaet and Nicolas V. Quijano Jr. Vs. Carlos T. So and People of the Philippines, retrieved February 18, 2022
  30. ↑ "Raffy T. Tulfo Vs. People of the Philippines and Atty. Carlos T. So/Allen A. Macasaet and Nicolas V. Quijano Jr. Vs. Carlos T. So and People of the Philippines". Supreme Court E-library. January 11, 2021.
  31. ↑ "Broadcaster's 32-year prison sentence for libel upheld by appeals court". IFEX. August 31, 2006. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  32. ↑ Patag, Kristine Joy. "SC acquits Raffy Tulfo, publisher and editor in libel case by Customs official". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  33. ↑ "SC Acquits Raffy Tulfo of Libel Charges". Supreme Court of the Philippines. June 29, 2021.
  34. 1 2 G.R. No. 213023 (April 20, 2019), Michael C. Guy Vs. Raffy Tulfo, et al.
  35. ↑ "SC orders Tulfo to pay more libel damages". Manila Standard. July 27, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  36. ↑ "Supreme Court increases damages vs Raffy Tulfo in libel case". Rappler. July 25, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  37. ↑ "Journalists post bail for libel charges filed by Arroyo spouse". CMFR. February 1, 2007. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  38. ↑ Conde, Carlos H. (September 19, 2006). "Libel suits by president's husband raise fears for press freedom – Asia – Pacific – International Herald Tribune". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  39. ↑ "Mike Arroyo's case vs Tulfos dismissed". GMA News Online. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  40. ↑ "Raffy Tulfo posts bail for libel, insists cop's a thief". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  41. ↑ "MTRCB suspends Tulfos' show for 20 days". ABS-CBN News. May 10, 2012.
  42. ↑ Calalo, Arlie (April 18, 2022). "Tulfo disqualification sought". The Manila Times. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  43. ↑ Lozada, Chito; Romero, Maria (December 18, 2023). "Defiant ponzi has Tulfo as endorser". Daily Tribune. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  44. ↑ Kabagani, Lade Jean (December 20, 2023). "Tulfo, 'product endorser' only". Daily Tribune. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  45. ↑ Inquirer [@inquirerdotnet] (November 30, 2020). "CLOOK: The baby boy of Mar Tulfo and Atty. Garreth Tungol was born on Saturday, November 28. Grayson Maxwell is the first grandson of broadcaster Raffy Tulfo. | 📷Mar Tulfo/ Instagram" (Tweet). Retrieved August 17, 2022 – via Twitter.
  46. ↑ Deala, Joanna Belle (June 10, 2019). "Broadcaster Raffy Tulfo slapped with Bigamy case". Philippine Canadian Inquirer. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  47. ↑ Chavez, Chito (June 10, 2019). "Raffy Tulfo, kinasuhan ng bigamy". Balita Online (in Filipino). Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  48. ↑ Nazario, Dhel (March 1, 2023). "Comelec dismisses MR seeking to reverse junking of DQ case vs Raffy Tulfo". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on March 1, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
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