Veteran radio broadcaster and columnist Ramon Tulfo stirred fresh political conversation after publicly naming the women leaders he admires in the Philippines while launching a scathing attack against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a Facebook post dated February 19, Tulfo first cited international figures such as Margaret Thatcher, Golda Meir, and Indira Gandhi, describing them as great world leaders who set high standards for governance and strength in leadership.
He then turned his attention to the local political and business landscape, listing several Filipina leaders he said he admires most. Among those he mentioned were former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former Vice President Leni Robredo. Also included in his list were veteran journalists Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc and Amy Pamintuan, Pampanga Governor Lilia “Baby” Pineda, and business executive Tessie Sy-Coson.
“They embody great leadership. They are highly intelligent, in fact more intelligent than many in the male species,” Tulfo wrote, emphasizing his respect for women who demonstrate competence and decisiveness in their respective fields.
However, Tulfo clarified that there are what he called “exceptions,” directly naming Duterte as one. In his post, he described the Vice President in harsh terms and questioned her qualifications for higher office.
In an earlier comment regarding Duterte’s political plans, Tulfo said, “Nagdeklara na ang loka-loka na tatakbo siya sa pagka-Presidente sa 2028,” referring to reports about her possible presidential bid. He further warned about the implications of her potential victory, remarking that the country would face serious consequences if she were elected.
Tulfo insisted that his comments were not rooted in misogyny. “I write this to disabuse the minds of some people that I’m a misogynist and male chauvinist,” he explained. “How can one accuse me of being a misogynist when I love and adore my mother so much.”
As of this writing, Duterte has not released any official statement responding to Tulfo’s remarks. Her camp has remained silent amid the renewed public debate.
Tulfo’s statements have fueled online discussions, with netizens divided over his praise for certain women leaders and his blunt criticism of the sitting Vice President, especially as political tensions build ahead of the 2028 national elections.