I n Roman mythology, Justitia, or lady justice, is one of the

four virtues. She is frequently depicted as a blindfolded woman

wielding a sword and scales. She represents the administration of
justice in a fair and equal manner, free of corruption, favor, avarice, or
prejudice.

Blaise Pascal a French philosopher and writer said, 

‘Justice and power must be brought together so that whatever is

just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.'

When power is gained via justice, it is frequently well-managed

power. The fairness of the process by which power is acquired will
benefit all sectors, and as a result, people's belief in that power will
remain unaffected. Language is the powerful instrument that bridges
and legitimizes the attainment of power in justice. The misuse and
manipulation of language can either empower or poison the intention
of using power and attaining justice. The Philippine justice system and
the looked-upon Tulfo Justice have been influenced by the negative
effects of colonialism and the interplay of social classes in the society
thus in their use and manipulation of the language, has created an
imbalance where power is obtained through injustice. 
       #RaffyTulfo #RaffyTulfoInAction “Ipa-Tulfo mo na iyan” … 

These are the shouts of the people in social media whenever they witness injustices and
malpractices. It has become the most powerful phrase used by Filipinos as a word of
encouragement, a form of threat, or simply a common courtesy to help someone in need. Notice
how Tulfo, a noun and name of a person, became a verb in the phrase “Ipa-Tulfo mo na iyan”. 

But who is Tulfo and why did he become a symbol of help to some people? 

It is the family name of a 61-year-old Filipino broadcaster Rafael “Raffy” Teshiba Tulfo, a
journalist, columnist, radio presenter, and television personality. But more than that, he is
recognized as the “champion of the poor”, known for being a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred
commentator on issues about abuses and injustices committed by people in power. He fights for the
down-trodden- many of whom are laborers who flock to his radio show every day to seek his help.
He is also known among his followers as “Mr. Action” and “Idol Raffy”. To many, the program is
their last bastion of hope and the closest thing to getting real justice in the Philippines. (Lao, 2019).
For the Filipinos, he embodies the archetype of a hero. A protagonist who stands morally good in
championing the truth for the oppressed. He does not cower to anyone who violates the law or
discriminates against other people even if these people are from the upper class. He has saved
many people by freeing them and serving them the justice they deserve locally and even abroad
plus the financial assistance he provides to the victims.
The popularity of his program transcends entertainment. People's tendency to turn to the
show reveals how it has emerged as an alternative mechanism for seeking justice despite the many
criticisms of it being a trial for publicity. However, it’s also very interesting to know that this
phenomenon is not new because in the 1990s, his brother Mon had a similar show called
"Isumbong mo kay Tulfo," which aired in a variety of formats. Senator Rene Cayetano in 1998 also
presented the public service program "Compaero y Compaera," which provided free legal
assistance to viewers and listeners. It was succeeded in 2000 by Mike Enriquez's investigative
docudrama program Imbestigador.
 There was also Amy Perez's Face-to-Face on TV5. It advertised itself as a "Barangay hall on-
air," settling issues that are typically brought to the Barangay courts informally. This trial of publicity
has been happening since then and despite its reputation, it is undeniable that it has helped many,
especially the poor in attaining justice. It is worth considering that maybe this is the system that sits
well here in the Philippines and to the Filipinos. However, as we look into it, the popularity of these
shows, specifically the Raffy Tulfo in Action, mirrors something we have in our culture…. 

People talk. 

All the time and most of the time we talk about people, events, and situations. For Filipinos, it’s called
“chismis” or tsismis”. In an article published by the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc.,
Gossiping is a stain from our culture. Many people would argue that gossip connotes something
negative, but they missed seeing the bigger picture of it. Gossiping is a high form of entertainment
and has recreational value. Interestingly, gossiping had helped Filipinos survive against the Spaniards
during their colony. It was through a series of gossip that helped build relationships and form alliances
to fight against the Spanish colony. It is in this culture that the program Raffy Tulfo in Action gained
more popularity. It has also helped solve and complicate the cases issued in the program as many
people would talk about it and share their opinions 24/7, as explicit and without shame, in showbiz
gossip shows, newspaper columns and blogs, Youtube, Facebook, Television news as well as in
camouflaged forms, that is sometimes even converted into scholarly “commentaries” and “analyses.” 

The program has been seen as a free, rapid, and convenient way to attain justice. It quickly finds
resolution in a single episode as opposed to being required to appear in court for years. Tulfo also
connects to the masses, to which his clients also belong, on a personal level. To a certain extent, the
poor Filipino people, do depend on the program as a popular, exploitative, but relatively functional
alternative to poor government services and regulations. Because, frankly, to them, it might be the
best they can have. 

All of these advantages speak volumes about access to justice. 

Still, on the other side of the coin…. 

Raffy Tulfo’s name and his program
have been constantly called out in
Twitter posts of netizens who express
not only their sentiments to the
program but to the Philippine justice
system as well. The way these folks
talk about what's going on in our
country's judicial system reveals that
we're dealing with a corrupt system
that not only keeps victims from getting
justice but also punishes those who try
to stand up to it.

What happened to the Philippine

justice system? Can we really trace
the reasons why we clamor for Tulfo
Justice from our backyards?
The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the result of Philippine Commission Act No. 136 on
June 11, 1901. The Spaniards founded the Real Audiencia de Manila, which provided a backdrop and
suitable context for recounting the history of the modern Supreme Court. When the Americans invaded
and occupied the Philippines in the late 1890s, it ushered in substantial changes in the country's
control,What
disposition,
makes itand moregovernment.
alienating toIt'sthereasonable
Filipinos is to its assume
medium that colonial which
of instruction rhetoric is and
Englishinfluence
given
have influenced
the fact our legal system.
that the Philippine It’s safeis to
justice system say that following
structured colonial discourse
the American and way.
influenceTheyhave had
cry for an
their
impact on ourtojustice
inadequacy system.
understand and engage in the discussion since most of them are not literate in the
English language. When it comes to defending their rights, they become at a loss for words. Despite
The Philippines ranked
the interpretation 91stbeing
services out ofoffered
128 nations in the World
to non-native EnglishJustice Project's
speakers, still,(WJP)
a lot 2020
is lostRule of Law
during the
Index. Since 2016, the country's score has been falling. Presently, the
translation process. Especially to indigenous people, this language barrier is a major detriment in Philippine Government has
organized
voicing outand theirestablished
truths. Theinstitutions thattoprovide
lack of skill peace and
comprehend and order. These institutions
communicate in Englishorganized puts thembyinthe a
Government
very vulnerable position as they become open to becoming victims of manipulation and deceit. That isa
have incorporated themselves to establish a Criminal Justice System that will look after
safe and peaceful
why they find Raffysociety.
in TulfoItinwas never
Action meant
closer to become
to home because a mechanism
he speaks of in oppression,
a language that but rather it was
the masses
intended as an instrument
speak and understand. of restorative justice that leads to lasting peace. The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights emphasizes that every human being has the right to equality and fair justice,
‘presumption
Also lingeringofininnocence
the four and the right
corners of theto aPhilippine
fair and publiccourtshearing
is the by a competent
Padrino System established
which welaw. have In
other words,
inherited fromit the
is closely linked
Spanish to the functioning
colonizers. This system of ais fair, legitimate,
ingrained in ourand effective
society and justice
has servedsystem. as a tool
for corruption, with the most active players being those in positions of authority. People who engage in
and misuse this system have the confidence to commit corruption Although since theythis have their Padrino
is often becoming to
protect them because of their connections. This has a significant impact on how justice
increasingly difficult to achieve in the is administered
in the country. This widens the divide between the wealthyPhilippines, and the poor. It does notthere
additionally, lead to a bettertolife
appears be
for the poor. So, we could not blame people who need an assurance to win their case and
imbalance within the justice system, with a would help
them in any way that Tulfo can help. In a system that seems to reward
scarcity only power
of judges, and influence,
prosecutors, and Tulfo
public
would allow them to fight power and influence. However, people defensemust keep in mind
attorneys. Manythat poorwhatpeople
is always are
seen in the media is not always all that there is. denied the right to bail because they lack the
financial means to rent the simplest lawyers
Some seek justice that has not seen light. What and tohappens file for behindbail. The the Philippines
scenes? What also
compromises are made?  features a long history of corruption. There
has always been a suspicion of corruption
In an interview with Philstar Entertainment, Tulfo within was asked the if judiciary
their writers stick to
during thefacts or if
amount
they practiced cinematic license. This involves the glamorization or exaggeration
following the depletion of EDSA funds.of events and actions
for the sake of an exciting television experience. This often Bribery provokes
takes the controversy
shape of an because
anonymousthis can call
lead to misinterpretation and this artful propaganda pushes some personal agenda.
or the utilization of intermediaries like Tulfo answered
the topic by noting that his authors stick to the original radio versions
relatives and ofemployees.
the story. They That do, however,
is why, as for
occasionally use cinematic license for dramatic effect. the When lacktheof complaint
any euphemisms, says he or she was
it has been
pinched (kinurot), they will modify the verb to slapped called (sinampal), but only
out as ‘anti-poor’. with the complainant's
permission.
 Slapping gives a more serious and aggravated tone than a pinch and their semantic meaning is
heavily different. As this use of the language registers to the mind of the viewers, so is their feelings
and judgment of what’s happening.

So, there has not been an objective reality but what we see is a product of the discourse that the
program has provided because getting these facts straight, it's still business powered by capitalism.
More than anything, the program is still there for entertainment. Raffy Tulfo is poised as the biggest
Filipino Youtuber this 2021. The program has penetrated most social media platforms with millions of
followers which also means millions of money to earn. The more people who come for the program to
ask for help, the more issues they can also capitalize on. That is why it's hard to find the fine line
between the program’s call for  ‘justice’ or ‘entertainment’. 

Raffy Tulfo was thrown into hot water in November when the Department of Education looked
into a case involving a teacher who was urged by him to resign her job and give up her license on his
television show. This angered netizens, who went to social media to express their disappointment that
the teacher was not given the appropriate procedure that she deserved. Some further pointed out that
Tulfo's program lacked the power to resolve such disagreements and make legally binding
conclusions.

A similar study was conducted on this specific episode, using Critical Discourse Analysis. It revealed
that several violations were made on the Conversational maxims of manner, quality, quantity, and
relation. It showed several instances where ways of social power abuse, control, dominance, and
inequality were observed and perpetuated. The results are crucial and relevant because if the program
claims to help people get the justice that they deserve, we cannot be sure that there is a due process
being followed and if it’s made fair. 

There is another episode where Tulfo recalibrated the course of the case when the people from the
upper class of society started to interfere and influence the show. It’s messed up when social
supremacy as a card is put on the table and how the kind of power enforced by these classes, through
language, is weaponized to maintain social structure. 

.
 Pierre Bourdieu, a french sociologist, believed that society is divided into different classes. His
Social Class Theory asserts the idea that Boththose justice
fromand the power,
top of thisaccording
class are to Blaise
the rulingPascal, and must
the be
intellectuals who preserve their socialbrought together.
privileges Justice would
by distancing be weakened
themselves from ifthe it lacked power.and
lower class Power,
on the
that their position in society gives their other hand,
language the agencywould tobeexercise
oppressive howifpower
it lacked justice. All and
is transferred people's
social order is maintained within and rights, safety,
across and privileges
generations. Thiswillcan
be also
uncorrupted
be linked andtosafeguarded
Stella Ting as a
Toomey’s theory on Face Negotiation. result of the establishment
According of power has
to her view, everyone via justice.
a face or Asan a identity
result, language
that
they use to show themselves to others. must beFacework
utilized asrefers a leveler to achieve
to the a balance
communication so thatpeople
methods a fair and
employ to build, maintain, or restorefunctional
a chosensociety may exist.
social identity to others when they engage. Those from
the higher social classes do a lot of face work to save their faces when threatened so their social order
is maintained. This facework could evenWhat encompass
happened abuse to both of the
power Philippines
and inequality Justice
towardsSystem and Tulfo
the lower
class.  Justice is that language no longer equalizes power and justice. Instead,
it has been weaponized, as justified with the colonial shadows from the
past, and has been taken advantage by the people from the ruling
The episode involved Super Tekla classes.
who is a The comedianuse ofand English as ahost
television legal language
in one of GMA in Network’s
the Philippine
variety shows and his live-in partnerJustice
MichelleSystem has alsoMichelle
Lhor Banaag. becomewent a major barrier
to the programthat and
has accused
enforced the
the comedian of sexual harassmentdivide of the
and child abuse.poorImmediately
from the justice
a lot system. Also, the power
of hate comments abuse, the
were thrown
against the comedian. Meanwhile, aselfish lot of interest to maintain with
people sympathize the Michelle.
social order,It was and the disease
a complete Face of the
loss for Super Tekla especially as chismis
a Public culture
Figure. and Padrino
However, system
in the has all ledwetosee
next episodes, an howimbalanced
the
dynamics of power worked. Raffy Tulfo ecosystem
asked for where
Teklathe prey consumes
to speak and defend in his
greed.
sideTherefore,
but refusedpower to do and
so to protect the management with whichits origin
he isbecome a powerful combination that can either make or break
still in contract. 
a group through stability or instability. In our case, the latter. We cannot
But isn't it a move to protect his Faceblame
too? the people who call out the Philippine justice system as corrupt
and anti-poor as much we also cannot blame the poor who clamor for
Donita Nose, his co-host, Ogie TulfoDiaz,
justice.
his Tomorrow,
friend, andTulfo will still beRose
his manager a folkConde
hero, and some will
all spoke on say
behalf of Tekla in the next episodes.rightfully so. Tomorrow,
They accused Michellethereas a will be new
gambler, people
a drug liningand
addict, up that
outside
it’s his
studio The
orchestrated towards putting Tekla down. waiting to tell
gravity oftheir
theirstories
words because
and theirtheystatusseeinno bettercaused
society option.
a major turnaround to the case. Meanwhile, Michelle’s sister, friend, and niece, who are just ordinary
citizens of the country and belonged to the Justitia
lower or ladyofjustice
class society,is spoke
blindfolded because
in defense of herit represents
but to no the
avail. What was supposed to be animpartiality
issue of Sexualand objectivity
Abuse and of Child
the law Abuseandagainst
that it Tekla
doesn’t wasletnow
outside
focused on Michelle being the liar, thefactors,
addict,such as politics, wealth,
the ‘manggagamit’. They wereor fame,
able to influence
save Tekla’s its decisions.
face
even without him showing and defending However, hisboth
sidethe Philippinethe
throughout Justice system
episodes. andTulfo
Raffy the Tulfo
also Justice
did an has
lost himself
excellent job in saving his face to save parts of fromtheir theobjectivity and impartiality
embarrassment of siding aswith
it has been influenced
Michelle in the
first episodes. and abused by the people from the upper class and by a system
structured by colonialism.