Ben Tulfo clarifies viral ‘warning’; says its advocacy, not a threat

Independent senatorial candidate Ben Tulfo has clarified that his recent statements on social media were not threats but rather a call for accountability and a defense against abuse and exploitation.

In a press conference in Zamboanga City, Tulfo issued a stern warning to those he believes are guilty of abuse, fraud, exploitation, and negligence. He urged them to “pray that I do not make it to the Senate, because if I do, your happy days are over”.

The bold statement quickly went viral on social media, with various vloggers using the clip to accuse the senatorial aspirant of bragging and issuing threats.

Tulfo was quick to defend himself, saying that the context of his message had been misunderstood.

“These vloggers, who have nothing better to do than create content for profit, didn’t consider the context and message. They cut and edited the live stream press conference and made it look like I was making threats,” he explained.

Tulfo further emphasized that his message was a warning aimed at those who abuse their power, exploit others, or neglect their duties. He clarified that it was not directed at the powerless or vulnerable who cannot defend themselves.

“If I am elected to the Senate, I will continue the advocacy I started in the media as a fearless investigative journalist for 23 years,” said Tulfo. He vowed to use his skills in investigation and evidence gathering in the Senate.

“By God’s will, what I do in BITAG is what I will do in the Senate — not just in aid of legislation or making laws, but in aid of prosecution,” he added.

Tulfo also noted that the Philippines already has a substantial number of laws, with 17,000 compared to Singapore’s 400. He stressed the importance of oversight, including strengthening or amending laws when necessary to ensure accountability for those who abuse their power and neglect their responsibilities in office.