Ben Tulfo urges biz owners to speak up vs flawed practices
Senatorial candidate Ben Tulfo has called on business owners, particularly members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), to take a stand against flawed practices and systems.
Speaking at a press conference in Cagayan De Oro, Tulfo emphasized the need for public complaints to bring wrongdoers to justice.
“If no one complains, no one gets exposed. No cases get filed. That’s why the ‘happy days’ of these thieves continue,” he said.
Since last year, Tulfo has said he toured cities including Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, and Manila, where PCCI members expressed concerns about the poor implementation of Republic Act 11032 or the “Ease of Doing Business” law. Many of these business owners, however, have chosen to stay silent out of fear of retaliation from local government officials.
They told Tulfo—on condition of anonymity—that they did not want to be labeled as “troublemakers.”
“Some business owners would rather stay quiet than risk being harassed or inconvenienced,” Tulfo shared.
In response, he warned, “Evil triumphs when good men do nothing. If this system continues, government offices will be overrun by wrongdoers.”
In a mix of satire and serious critique, Tulfo engaged with local media by asking if they were familiar with certain nicknames often whispered about in offices—"Korean" "Patty," and "Eddie." He explained their meanings as street slang for corrupt behavior:
“Korean” – from “Magkano ako’riyan?” (a play on the phrase “How much for me here?” implying bribery)
“Patty” – from “Pati ako, pati siya, pati kami, isama mo riyan.” (meaning "Include me, him, us")
“Eddie” – from “E’di ako!” (meaning “How about me? I should get a cut too!”)
Tulfo vowed that, if elected, he would establish regional watchdog groups with the help of local media, under the direction of his Senate office. These groups will monitor government offices—both local and national—for abusive, negligent, or corrupt behavior.
“I will empower these watchdogs and protect their identities. Once evidence is complete against the likes of ‘Korean,’ ‘Patty,’ and ‘Eddie,’ I will launch investigations,” Tulfo said, pledging to bring the findings to the Senate through privilege speeches and formal inquiries.
He concluded with a warning in Bisaya to corrupt officials: “Lapit na mahuman ang inyong mga malipay na mga adlaw (Your happy days are almost over).”