ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

House Deputy Majority Leader ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo has thanked the National Press Club (NPC) for backing his call for the Senate to file bill seeking the exclusion of media as witness in drug related cases as part of inventory team. 

"Nagpapasalamat po ako sa NPC dahil suportado nila ang aking panawagan na huwag ng isama o gawing testigo ang mga mamamahayag sa operasyon ng droga dahil nanganganib po ang buhay ng mga dati kong kasama sa hanapbuhay," Tulfo said in a statement Sunday, Dec. 22.

(I thank the NPC because they support my appeal to drop the requirmemt of having journalist-witnesses in drug operations, which could pose threats to the lives of my former colleagues.)

Tulfo, a former broadcaster, recently delivered a privilege speech in House plenary to urge the Senate to fast-track legislation on the matter.

The House of Representatives has already approved on third and final reading proposed amendments to the Republic Act (RA) No.9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.

Senators have yet to file a counterpart measure. 

NPC President Leonel Abasola says it is about time that the law be amended considering the dangers that the media personnel face as well as the hassle of attending hearings.

He added that the NPC and other stakeholders have discussed the topic in a consultative meeting with the presidential task force on media security.