Erwin Tulfo on anti-dynasty bill: We’ll give others a chance
Senatorial candidate and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo said on Friday that he sees nothing wrong with a law to ban political dynasties even as he and his immediate relatives are running for elective posts. — File photo
MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo said on Friday he sees nothing wrong with proposed measures to ban political dynasties, especially if these will improve the country’s situation.
“Kung meron sa Congress na gano’n, I will agree, kung tatanungin niyo ako. I mean, may mga kapatid ako, many of us are in politics right now (but) I will agree kung ikagaganda ba naman ng ating bayan. Why not, ‘di ba?” Tulfo said during a press conference in Antipolo City, Rizal.
(If there is such a bill in Congress, I will agree if you ask me. I mean, my siblings, many of us are in politics right now (but) I will agree if this will be for the country’s good. Why not, right?)
“Let’s give others a chance, sang-ayon po kaming magkakapatid doon, let’s give others a chance,” he added.
(We siblings agree that we should give others a chance.)
Tulfo and the other senatorial candidates were asked about the anti-political dynasty bill after a petition was filed before the Supreme Court (SC) asking the judiciary not to tolerate Congress’ alleged inaction on the 1987 Constitution’s prohibition of political dynasties.
READ: Another petition to enact anti-political dynasty law filed
Many cause-oriented groups have repeatedly called for a ban on political dynasties, noting that having members of a family holding different elective posts hinders growth and weakens checks and balances.
However, the absence of a law disallowing dynasties has prevented agencies such as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from enforcing a ban.
On Feb. 17, the Comelec announced that a disqualification case was filed against Tulfo; his brother, broadcaster Ben Tulfo; and three other members of their family, all of whom are running for elective posts in the 2025 midterm elections.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the case was filed by Virgilio Garcia, an opponent of Tulfo’s nephew and Sen. Raffy Tulfo’s son, Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo.
READ: Comelec: Disqualification case filed vs Tulfo brothers, 3 kin
When he filed his certificate of candidacy on Oct. 4, 2024, Virgilio Garcia said that if he wins against Rep. Ralph, he would file a bill that defines political dynasties, so that there would be an enabling law against it.
READ: Obscure QC House hopeful wants end to political dynasties
Also named in the complaint were Rep. Ralph; Sen. Tulfo’s wife and ACT-CIS Rep. Jocelyn Pua-Tulfo; and Turismo party-list nominee and former tourism secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo.
The petitioner said he filed the disqualification plea as the Tulfos are already a political dynasty, which the 1987 Constitution disallows.
Rep. Erwin is currently leading different surveys for the 2025 polls, alongside Ben. In case both Erwin and Ben win in the 2025 polls, there would be three Tulfos in the 24-person Senate. Meanwhile, if both Rep. Jocelyn, Rep. Ralph, and former secretary Wanda emerge victorious from their own battles, the number of Tulfos in Congress may swell up to six — three in the Senate and three in the House of Representatives.
The disqualification case against the Tulfos was dismissed as it was insufficient in form.
READ: Comelec junks case to disqualify Tulfos
It was the 1-Sambayan coalition that submitted a 48-page petition to the SC, seeking the High Tribunal’s help to prompt Congress to come up with an anti-political dynasty bill.
According to the petitioners, they want SC to hold Congress in contempt should they fail to comply within one year if the petition is granted.
