Former vice president Leni Robredo (left), ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo (Tulfo's office)

Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo visited the home of former vice president Leni Robredo in Naga City on Saturday, April 26.

Tulfo's team didn't brag about any endorsement or arm-raising gesture afterward, but the fact Tulfo was warmly received by Robredo in her own abode seemed to be a case of actions speaking louder than words.

During their meeting, Robredo thanked Tulfo for his proactive assistance to Bicolanos and his support for Angat Buhay--the non-government organization she founded focused on poverty alleviation. She particularly cited his help during calamities.

The ex-vice president recalled the swift response from Tulfo and the ACT-CIS Party-list during typhoon "Kristine", when they donated 2,000 sacks of rice and P1 million in cash assistance to victims.

Robredo also highlighted Tulfo’s support for Angat Buhay during his tenure as Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) tenure in 2022, as she noted the fast accreditation of the foundation.

“Noong secretary pa siya ng DSWD, napakalaking tulong niya sa Angat Buhay. In fact, nabisita ko siya sa opisina niya sa DSWD, maganda yung synergy ng Angat Buhay sa DSWD kasi kami ‘di ba, anti-poverty rin?” Robredo shared.

(When he was the secretary of DSWD, he was a huge help to Angat Buhay. In fact, I visited him in his DSWD office; there was great synergy between Angat Buhay and DSWD because, we're both focused on anti-poverty efforts, right?)

“Malaki ang naitulong ng leadership niya—hindi kami nahirapan sa pagkuha ng accreditation. Kapag pumupunta kami sa lugar at may sakuna, laging merong coordination with DSWD kaya grateful naman ako,” she added.

(His leadership contributed significantly—we didn’t face difficulties in obtaining accreditation. Whenever we went to places affected by calamities, there was always coordination with DSWD, and for that, I’m truly grateful.)

(Tulfo’s office)

In response, Tulfo expressed his appreciation for Robredo’s warm welcome and recognition of his public service. He emphasized that serving the people should transcend political affiliations.

“I believe that this is the best practice: Huwag ka tumingin sa kulay. Kasi kapag tumingin ka sa kulay, walang mangyayari, kawawa, may maiiwan. Kailangan, tingnan mo ang lahat (Don't look at political color. Because once you do, nothing will happen and people will get left behind. You must look at all aspects).

"At the end of the day, we are all Filipinos, so we need to set aside political colors,” Tulfo said.

Tulfo visited Robredo at her residence in Naga on Saturday, following a market tour at the Naga People’s Mall—the city’s main public market—where the administration bet also received a warm welcome from residents.