The University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) said that a "bully has no space in a professional organization much less being its key leader."
This is after president-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. appointed broadcaster Erwin Tulfo as the next secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Last May 2019, Tulfo threatened the incumbent DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista to slap and dunk his head inside a toilet bowl if they ever cross paths after Bautista declined Tulfo for an interview.
The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association (PMAAA) initiated filing charges against Tulfo as Bautista was the former commander of the Philippine Army.
Tulfo apologized to Bautista and the PMAAA a few days after the incident.
In a statement released on June 1, UPD- CSWCD also called the appointment of one of the Tulfo brothers an "act of political payback" since they are closely supporting the Dutertes.
"Good governance is about to be thrown into the gutter. It is political loyalties again rather than upholding the best interest of the people," said in the UPD- CSWCD statement.
The appeal of various social work organizations to appoint a professional social worker as DSWD secretary was also denied.
The UPD- CSWCD emphasized that the DSWD is currently facing an enormous challenge when it comes to pandemic response and giving social services and protection to the marginalized, so the organization needs an expert with academic training and professional experience as stated in the Republic Act No. 4373: An Act to Regulate the Practice of Social Work and the Operation of Social Work Agencies in the Philippines and for Other Purposes.
"Social welfare and development programs are beyond the realms of charity, whims, or popularity. They are best administered by professionals who have extensive experience, possess appropriate technical knowledge and skills, and uphold the principles and values of social work and social development practice," said the UPD- CSWCD. (Luisa Cabato)
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