Independent senatorial candidate Ben Tulfo said that there must be a distinction between journalists and vloggers, as he disclosed that he's also a victim of fake news propagated by some content creators using his material.

In a press conference in Pagadian City, Tulfo noted that there was a distinct role and responsibility for those in the Fourth Estate compared to those in the Fifth Estate. The Fourth Estate, consisting of television, print, and radio, has licenses and franchises to produce and broadcast news.

According to Tulfo, the Fourth Estate operates with layers of accountability, guided by its legal departments and consultants.

“There must be a demarcation line between the Fourth Estate and the Fifth Estate. The Fourth Estate has a franchise and is accountable to the country. They adhere to ethics and follow the laws and canons of journalism,” said the seasoned journalist.

Tulfo clarified that he respects professional vloggers from various fields, including lawyers, doctors, engineers, chefs, and responsible parents.

“There are many talented individuals in the Fifth Estate with different professions. The problem is that some vloggers and content creators are opinion vloggers. They are very conducive to spreading fake news because they have no accountability. They exploit absolute freedom of expression, bordering on fake news and malicious content,” added the senatorial candidate.

Yet he stated that some vloggers used some of his copyrighted and exclusive video materials from his television and his digital platforms for “malicious editing” and “malicious messaging"

According to him, the source of their fake news, which has been chopped and edited to alter its message, is his podcast created in February 2024. This podcast is available in the podcast library of BITAG Multimedia Network (BMN).

Based on the digital reels being circulated, the senatorial candidate allegedly ridiculed those advocating for the separation of Mindanao from the Visayas and Luzon.

When Tulfo produced this podcast, it was during the peak of the People’s Initiative (PI) and the Independent Mindanao movement. At this time, there was a clash between groups advocating for the PI and those arguing for Mindanao’s independence.

Tulfo emphasized that the Tulfo family hails from Mindanao on their mother’s side. He stated that all six Tulfo siblings were born in Mindanao.

“Currently, our relatives reside in Manay, Davao Oriental. Two of my siblings have been residents of Davao since the 1970s,” he explained.

With this, Tulfo called on his colleagues in the industry to continue fighting fake news.