Raffy Tulfo says let the impeachment trial roll

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So what’s the gameplan? Is Senator Raffy Tulfo’s position on the impeachment trial connected to his 2028 political plans?

Senator Raffy Tulfo, a possible contender in the 2028 presidential elections, wants the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte to proceed, saying he would vote against any motion to dismiss it in plenary.

“Gustong-gusto ko matuloy ang impeachment [trial] para mabigyan natin ng pagkakataon si VP Sara na maisabi niya ‘yung kanyang side. Mas maganda di ba ma-clear niya ang name niya sa pamamagitan ng pagdedepensa niya doon sa impeachment, at mapapatunayan na inosente siya as opposed to ‘yung mababasura before na magkaroon ng hearing sa impeachment,” Tulfo said on Tuesday, July 15.

(I really want the impeachment trial to proceed so that we can give Vice President Sara the opportunity to present her side. Wouldn’t it be better for her to clear her name by defending herself during the impeachment trial and proving her innocence, rather than having the case dismissed even before a hearing takes place?)

Tulfo, who supports Senate President Chiz Escudero’s continued leadership, said he is satisfied with how Escudero is handling the impeachment trial, despite criticisms that the delays are meant to assure Escudero’s political survival. (READ: Chiz Escudero and his dilly-dallying over impeachment)

“So far, okay naman. What is important to me is matutuloy ang impeachment,” said Tulfo, when asked about Escudero’s handling of the impeachment trial. (So far, it’s okay. What’s important to me is that the impeachment [trial] proceeds.)

“Kasi for now sinasabi nga niya na inosente siya, so let her prove it na inosente siya. Mas maganda ‘yung ma-prove niya na inosente siya sa pamamagitan ng trial,” Tulfo said.

(Because for now, she says she’s innocent, so let her prove that she is. It’s better if she can prove her innocence through the trial.)

This is the first time Tulfo has publicly commented on the impeachment trial, although he was among the 18 senators who voted to return the Articles of Impeachment to the House of Representatives.

If senators were to hold elections for the Senate presidency today, Tulfo said he would support Escudero— affirming his decision to join the majority bloc alongside his brother, Senator Erwin Tulfo. His statement is notable, as the so-called “Duterte bloc” is also backing Escudero and is expected to align with the majority.

The Duterte bloc — composed of Senators Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, Robin Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Mark Villar, and Camille Villar — is expected to block any effort to remove the Vice President from office.

So what’s the gameplan? Is Raffy Tulfo’s position on the impeachment trial connected to his 2028 political plans? Could he be trying to block Sara Duterte from running for public office? After all, he’s currently the second top choice for president in 2028.

According to a Pulse Asia survey conducted in February, Sara Duterte is the top choice for the 2028 presidential elections with 39%, followed by Raffy Tulfo at 28%, and former senator Grace Poe at 14%.

Similarly, an April survey by polling firm WR Numero showed Duterte leading the list of presidential contenders with a 30.2% voter preference, followed by Raffy Tulfo at 17.9%, and former vice president and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo at 12.7%. – Rappler.com