Senator Erwin Tulfo said his office in Palawan is open to all residents, regardless of political affiliation, as long as there is a clear need for assistance.
Tulfo made the statement during the inauguration of his Extension Office and Action Center in Puerto Princesa City.
He said his office does not ask whether a person is a political ally or opponent before giving help because he is a national official.
“Hindi namin tinatanong dito kung sino ka. National official ako at hindi local kaya walang pakialam kung sino ang sinuportahan mo. Kasi kapag tiningnan mo ang kulay [pulitika], doon nagkaka-problema,” Tulfo said.
Tulfo said assistance from his office is not limited to medical, burial, and educational aid. He said residents may also seek legal assistance and travel assistance, including for parents who want to visit their children studying outside the province.
He explained that the funds used for assistance come from the taxes paid by all Filipinos and should not be tied to any political group or personality.
“Ever since naman when I was the DSWD Secretary, ‘yun ang sinasabi ko sa tao. Isang kulay lang ang titingnan mo, ‘yung kulay brown. Dapat pantay-pantay kasi besides, ‘yung pantulong naman dito ay hindi ‘yan buwis lang ng supporter ni BBM. Lahat naman ay buwis ng supporter ni Sara, Tito Sotto at kung sinong pulitikong tumakbo,” he said.
Tulfo also said his office is open to local government officials who want to raise concerns with national government agencies. He said he is willing to talk with them and coordinate possible actions.
He added that he visits Palawan twice a month to personally listen to residents and help address their concerns.
Tulfo personally inaugurated and opened his Extension Office and Action Center in Puerto Princesa City on Friday, January 16. The office aims to bring government services closer to the people of Palawan.
The Palawan Action Center and Extension Office is expected to respond to urgent needs, including medical assistance, financial aid, legal support, and referrals to national government agencies.
Local and national officials attended the inauguration, including provincial and district leaders, barangay officials, police, the Coast Guard, and representatives from several government agencies.
After the event, officials held a meeting with the senator to discuss possible areas of cooperation for programs that will benefit Palawan residents.
The office in Puerto Princesa City is open to residents of the entire MIMAROPA region. It is the third Extension Office and Action Center of Sen. Erwin Tulfo in the country, after those in Quezon City and Zamboanga City.
