Raffy Tulfo

Senator Rafael "Raffy" Teshiba Tulfo has dedicated over two decades to defending the poor, marginalized, and aggrieved. 

Known as "Idol" by the public, his service is characterized by swift, decisive action, which he now applies to crafting legislation in his first term as a Senator.

Born on March 12, 1960, in Quezon City to Ramon Tulfo Sr. and Caridad Teshiba-Tulfo, he studied at Holy Trinity College of Puerto Princesa City, Trinity College of Quezon City, and Ateneo de Davao University. 

Before his career in media and public office, he worked various jobs in the Philippines and the United States—including as a vegetable vendor, dishwasher, waiter, nursing aid, accounts receivable clerk, shoe salesman, and insurance representative.

Tulfo’s legislative agenda mirrors his lifelong dedication to the common Filipino. His primary advocacies focus on:

• Labor Rights & Welfare: Strengthening protections for domestic and local workers, ensuring fair wages, and enforcing strict compliance with labor laws.

• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs): Institutionalizing comprehensive legal, financial, and emotional support systems for Filipinos working abroad.

• Family and Social Protection: Safeguarding the structural integrity of the Filipino family and protecting vulnerable individuals from domestic and institutional abuse.

Tulfo’s broadcasting career began in the grassroots sector as a local disc jockey and newscaster in Palawan, eventually leading to a prominent career as a hard-hitting investigative anchor, producer, and primetime news presenter.

  - DYPR-AM (Puerto Princesa City): Disc Jockey / Newscaster

  - DZYZ-AM (Olongapo City) & DYAX-AM (Tarlac City): Disc Jockey / Newscaster

  - DWWC-FM (Cauayan City): Disc Jockey / Newscaster

  - DWLS-FM & Citynet Channel 27 (GMA Network): News Writer Trainee / Newscaster

  - PTV 4: Newscaster / Reporter

  - Philippines’ Most Wanted (PTV 4): Anchor / Producer

  - Problema Nyo, Sagot Ko (ABC 5): Anchor / Producer

  - Munting Hiling & Task Force Siyasat (ABC 5): Anchor / Producer

  - Kamao (NBN 4): Anchor / Producer

  - Isumbong Mo (Tulfo Brothers) (RPN 9): Anchor / Co-Producer

  - Wanted sa Radyo (DZXL-RMN / TV5 / Radyo5): Anchor / Producer

  - Balitaang Tapat, WANTED, & T3 (TV5): Anchor / Producer

  - Frontline Pilipinas (TV5): Primetime News Anchor

Leveraging the power of print to shape public discourse and voice the concerns of the masses, he has also served as a prolific publisher and columnist for several of the country's leading tabloids:

  - Abante (Una sa Balita) & Abante Tonite: Columnist

  - Bulgar: Columnist

  - Iskandal: Publisher / Columnist

  - Pinoy Parazzi: Columnist

  - Commuter Express: Columnist

Throughout his media career, Tulfo has been consistently recognized by civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and international bodies for his dedication to justice and anti-crime initiatives.

Below  are some of the distinctions he has received:

  - Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC)

   

      - Program/Initiative: Philippines’ Most Wanted (PTV4)

      - Distinction: Best Anti-Crime TV Show

      - Program/Initiative: Wanted Sa Radyo (RMN)

      - Distinction: Best Public Service Anti-Crime and Corruption Radio Show / Best Anchor

  - Manila Anti-Crime Riders Group

   

      - Program/Initiative: Wanted Sa Radyo (RMN)

      - Distinction: Best Anti-Crime Public Service Radio Anchor

  - Gawad Amerika

   

      - Program/Initiative: Wanted Sa Radyo (RMN)

      - Distinction: Best Public Service Radio Show / Best Anchor

  - People’s Choice Awards

   

      - Program/Initiative: Wanted Sa Radyo (Radyo5)

      - Distinction: Best Public Service Radio Show / Most Inspiring Male Host for Public Service TV & Radio

  - Internal Affairs Service (IAS-PNP)

   

      - Program/Initiative: Wanted Sa Radyo (Radyo5)

      - Distinction: Medallion of Honor for Media Sector Partnership

  - New York Radio and Film Festival

   

      - Program/Initiative: WANTED (TV5)

      - Distinction: Finalist: Best Community Service TV Show

Throughout his media career, Tulfo has been consistently recognized by civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and international bodies for his dedication to justice and anti-crime initiatives.

Some of the awards he received included: Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC): Philippines’ Most Wanted (PTV4); Best Anti-Crime TV Show; Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC):  Wanted Sa Radyo (RMN); Best Public Service Anti-Crime and Corruption Radio Show.