Last night, I had a bout of insomnia, where I resort to reading books. However, I was bored with reading and, for a change, logged into YouTube and (unsurprisingly) most of the recommended videos were of “Raffy Tulfo in Action.” I checked out the videos and noticed he has 7.35 million subscribers! His appeal is like the pre-colonial “man of prowess”—sovereign over his people because of an aura, masculinity, and decisiveness. While he is not a law enforcement officer or government official, the way he lashes out at corrupt politicians, mayors, and abusive employers makes him appear to be a second Jesus, walking the Earth with a microphone. Aside from berating and reprimanding crooked people, he also stands as an arbiter in legal disputes and family problems.
Considering the media as the fourth estate, Tulfo’s ideology comes from a belief that media is a powerful weapon that can change the course of history. Media plays an essential role in shaping society’s growth—for good or bad. The juggernaut Radyo Veritas served as a propeller to encourage protests during Martial Law, which affirms the media’s function. Whether it’s the exposure of “ninja cops,” drugs inside New Bilibid Prison, or corruption at the Bureau of Corrections, the media played a pivotal role in exposing particular trends. Nevertheless, in the case of Tulfo, dubbed the “sumbungan ng bayan,” he was not the first person to take on the persona of a strongman. In an earlier account, then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte hosted a Sunday morning show on a local affiliate, where he presented his authoritarian signature and cursed more than Tulfo. He achieved “rock star” status in his city, where he became known as “Tatay Digong.” In Filipino culture, whenever in a threatening situation, one says, “Sumbong ko kayo sa tatay ko (I will report this to my father)”—where the father is seen as a protector.
Tulfo’s audacity is a significant asset and it explains why he is considered a hero to many. No media personality has been as brazen as him, who curses everyone, including mayors, generals, and even the former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.
He is also a social media superstar—and it shows. Whenever Filipinos feel they were tricked, they say, “Ipa Tulfo na yan” or #Raffytulfoinaction. His omnipresence on social media hearing the pleas of the public gave him potent power to do public service. Hundreds fall in line outside the TV5 studios to air their appeals.
Why is there this “Tulfonism” phenomenon? Through the lens of Philippine politics, our country exhibits a weak state and a strong society—the state does not address the basic needs of the people and is unable to uphold the rule of law. This situation is abetted by a stable society, consisting of oligarchs, local warlords, and corrupt business people, who become the law. It explains why people turn to them because law enforcement and the justice system worship at the altar of money. In this weak state, people like Tulfo are the heroes of the weak. His “Hermano mayor” façade made him attractive since people dream of a cavalier who will save them. Once a dream turns into reality, people cling to that hero.
Tulfo not only listens, he acts; and Filipinos are thirsty for swift justice. Whenever the accused comply by his demands, it serves as the testament that the media—like Tulfo—is an alternative source of legitimacy and authority to influence the state.
In our country, for the little person, few will listen to their complaints and, when do they complain, they are the ones in the wrong. Tulfo is the bearer of the Gospel: “Whoever asks for help, Tulfo is the panacea to the state that delimits their rights—especially to the poor.”
As long as there are the poor and voiceless entrusted to Tulfo, he will continue the crusade. While our country does not function as an ideal state tgar addresses corruption and poverty, Tulfo remains relevant for those denied justice while waiting for the second coming.

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Comments and suggestions are welcome at sensei.adorador@chmsc.edu.ph /WDJ