Tulfo: TV5 suspended my brothers

MANILA, Philippines [UPDATED] – TV5 has suspended the 3 Tulfo brothers until Friday, May 11, after they allegedly committed ethical violations by threatening celebrity couple Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto on air, said their eldest brother Ramon “Mon” Tulfo Jr.

Tulfo, who was involved in an airport brawl with Santiago’s camp, will temporarily replace his brothers Raffy, Ben, and Erwin in their public affairs program T3, which airs on TV5. He said he will take over the show with two other TV5 talents, and hopes his brothers will be back on air Monday.

“My brothers regret what happened, but they acted before they thought, which is typical Tulfo. Me, I’ve mellowed a bit over the years,” Tulfo told Rappler in an interview.

TV5, in its Twitter account, announced that the Tulfos’ suspension was effective 5 pm Wednesday. It said Mon will be joined by Martin Andanar and Atty. Mel Sta. Maria in hosting T3.

On Tuesday, May 8, TV5 criticized the Tulfo brothers for their bold statements, threatening and cursing Santiago and his wife.

“While we understand the emotions at play during the broadcast, News5 does not and will never condone such behavior. It was not only uncalled for but runs counter to the established Code of Ethics that we all strictly adhere to,” TV5 said in an official statement.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board is investigating the incident.

Tulfo’s gun

Tulfo said his encounter with Santiago could’ve turned more violent without his restraint.

“I even considered getting my gun from airport police storage but didn’t. If airport police didn’t give me my gun, I could have gotten the gun from one of my men,” Tulfo told Rappler.

“If I went for my gun,” he added, “this interview would be in jail. I am glad I didn’t get my gun.”

The two engaged in a scuffle at NAIA Terminal 3 on Sunday, May 6, after the Santiago saw Tulfo taking footage of Barretto’s exchange with a Cebu Pacific ground stewardess over some missing baggages.

A video taken by an onlooker showed Santiago, Barretto and their pals throwing punches at the broadcaster and columnist.

Santiago, however, claimed it was Tulfo who started the commotion. He said Tulfo punched him and kicked his wife twice in the leg after he approached him to ask about the video. – Rappler.com

Click on the links below to read about the Tulfo-Santiago airport scuffle:

• Tulfo-Santiago brawl: Punishment for physical injuries
• The Tulfos, T3 and judgment day
• Netizens weigh in on Ramon Tulfo – Raymart Santiago airport scuffle
• Tulfo brothers apologize for remarks
• TV5 hits Tulfo brothers
• #gotCCTV? Netizens poke fun at NAIA’s lack of cams