Television news anchor Erwin Tulfo may file a libel complaint against the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) for linking him to the pork barrel scam.

In a recent report published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, it identifies two broadcast journalists, Erwin Tulfo, a television news anchor and Carmelo del Prado Magdurulang a radio talk show host are involved in beneficiaries of the diversion of congressional allocations from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) coursed through state-owned National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor)

Former Nabcor officials Rhodora Mendoza and Vic Cacal told the Inquirer that there are prominent TV and radio personality that received Php2-million from Nabcor president Alan Javellana on the instruction of then Agriculture Secretary Yap as payoff to stop criticisms of a Nabcor project.

Former Nabcor officials Mendoza and Cacal also said that separate checks were issued to Tulfo and Magdurulang amounting to Php245,535 each from Nabcor’s account at United Coconut Planter’s Bank (UCPB).

The allegation was strongly denied by TV broadcast journalist Erwin Tulfo. According to Atty. Nelson Borha, Tulfo’s legal counsel, his client is ready to face the allegations and they have documents to prove that Tulfo was actually received legitimate payment for advertising slots when Tulfo was still a commentator at RMN-dzXL.

Borja said they will ask PDI to explain why it should not be haled to court for the allegedly libelous story.

If PDI fails to do so, then Tulfo will have no other recourse but to go to court, he said.

He said TV5 continues to support its talent. Tulfo has not been sanctioned nor placed under preventive suspension, he said.

Sources: newsinfo.inquirer.net and abs-cbnnews.com