Erwin Tulfo on disqualification case: No anti-dynasty law in PH

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'Kaya nga po hanggang wala pa pong batas tayo, meron po talagang ganito,' says Senate frontrunner Erwin Tulfo

MANILA, Philippines – Reacting to the disqualification case filed against them, Senate frontrunner Erwin Tulfo said on Tuesday, February 18, that there is no enabling law prohibiting political dynasties in the country.

“Unfortunately, hindi pa po kumikilos ang Kongreso at ang Senado. ‘Yun po ‘yung sinasabi doon, kaya nga po hanggang wala pa pong batas tayo, meron po talagang ganito, may mangyayari pong ganito,” Tulfo told reporters before the kickoff campaign of the Alyansa Para sa Bayan slate, which he is part of.

(Unfortunately, Congress and the Senate have not taken action yet. That’s what’s being said—until there’s a law, this will continue to happen.)

On February 14, lawyer Virgilio R. Garcia filed a petition with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) seeking to disqualify the popular Tulfo clan from running in the 2025 elections. The petition targets Erwin, his brother broadcaster Ben Tulfo, who is also leading the senatorial surveys, and three other members of the clan: ACT-CIS Representative Jocelyn Tulfo, Quezon City 2nd District Representative Ralph Wendel Tulfo, and Turismo first nominee Wanda Tulfo-Teo.

In the recent Pulse Asia survey conducted in January, Erwin ranked first, while Ben placed between third and eighth. They are poised to join their brother, incumbent Senator Raffy Tulfo, in the 20th Congress.. (READ: It’s a tight race to the ‘Magic 12’ in January 2025 Senate race survey)

The Comelec announced the filing on Monday, February 17. Erwin said he has yet to read the petition and has not received a notice from the Comelec, but he dismissed the case as unsubstantive.

Garcia is currently running against Ralph Tulfo for the Quezon City post. He is also a retired brigadier general from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Judge Advocate General Service. In his petition, Garcia cited Article II, Section 26 of the Constitution, which states, “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

When asked if he would support a bill banning political dynasties, Erwin answered in the affirmative. “Definitely [I support an anti-dynasty law]. Bakit po hindi susuportahan? That’s for sure,” he said.

The petition also raises concerns about Erwin’s citizenship as a reason he should not be allowed to run. He previously admitted to acquiring US citizenship in the late 1980s but renounced it in early 2022.

He later explained that he became an undocumented worker in the US to support his family. – Rappler.com