Tulfo: DQ case dismissal proves poll’s integrity, Comelec’s fairness
Rep. Erwin Tulfo (FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo said on Tuesday the dismissal of the disqualification petition filed against him and other relatives running for public offices proves that the election’s integrity is intact.
Tulfo also thanked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for adhering to the process related to filing of the disqualification cases.
Comelec’s First Division released its decision on the disqualification bid against the Tulfos, saying that the petition is “insufficient in form” and lacked documentary requirements like copies of the respondents’ certificates of candidacy.
“Ang pagkakadismiss ng kaso dahil sa hindi pagsunod ng petitioner sa mga kinakailangang rekisito ng Comelec ay patunay ng integridad ng ating halalan at ng kahalagahan ng pagsunod sa tamang proseso,” Tulfo, who is seeking a Senate seat in the 2025 midterm elections, said.
(The dismissal of this case due to the petitioner’s failure to adhere with the Comelec’s requirements is proof of our election process’ integrity, and the importance of observing the right processes.)
“Buong tiwala akong naninindigan sa kalayaan at pagiging patas ng Comelec. Ang desisyong ito ay nagpapatunay sa matibay na paninindigan ng Komisyon sa katarungan at sa pagpapanatili ng kredibilidad ng ating demokratikong institusyon,” he added.
(I firmly believe in the freedom and fairness of the Comelec. This decision proves Comelec’s insistence on justice, and the maintenance of a credible democratic institution.)
Last February 17, Comelec announced that a disqualification case was filed against Tulfo; his brother, broadcaster Ben Tulfo, who is running for the Senate, and three other members of their family who are running for elective posts in the 2025 midterm elections.
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the case was filed by Virgilio Garcia, who is gunning for the congressional seat of Quezon City’s second legislative district. He will face Tulfo’s nephew, incumbent Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo.
Rep. Wendel’s father is Senator Raffy Tulfo.
READ: Comelec: Disqualification case filed vs Tulfo brothers, 3 kin
When he filed his certificate of candidacy last October 4, 2024, Virgilio Garcia said that if he wins against Rep. Ralph, he will file a bill that defines political dynasties, so that there will be an enabling law against it.
READ: Obscure QC House hopeful wants end to political dynasties
Aside from Rep. Erwin, Rep. Ralph, and Ben, also named in the complaints were Senator 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 a political dynasty already — which the 1987 Constitution disallows.
According to Rep. Erwin, he remains true to his sworn duty to serve truthfully, and in accordance with the law.
“Bilang lingkod-bayan, nananatili akong tapat sa aking tungkulin na maglingkod nang may integridad, katapatan, at pagsunod sa batas. Ang desisyong ito ay nagbibigay-daan upang lalo kong maituon ang aking oras at pagsisikap sa paglilingkod sa ating mga kababayan at sa pagsusulong ng kanilang kapakanan sa Kongreso,” Tulfo said.
(As a public servant, I remain true to my sworn duty to serve with integrity, honesty, and adherence with the law. This decision allows me to devote my time and attention to serving the people, by prioritizing their welfare in Congress.)
“Muli, lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa Comelec sa kanilang pagsisikap at pagiging patas sa paghawak ng kasong ito. Salamat din sa aking mga taga-suporta sa inyong patuloy na tiwala at suporta,” he added.
(Again, I thank the Comelec for aspiring to be fair in handling this case. I also thank my supporters for their continued trust.)
Rep. Erwin is currently leading different surveys for the 2025 polls. According to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, Tulfo garnered the most votes if elections were held in February 2025, with 45 percent of the respondents picking him.
Ben Tulfo meanwhile ranks fifth.
READ: SWS survey: Tulfo, 7 other administration bets in Senate top 12
In case both Erwin and Ben win in the 2025 polls, there will be three Tulfos in the 24-person Senate. Meanwhile, if 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.
