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GMA Network
3 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Comelec en banc affirms ruling dismissing DQ case vs Tulfos
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has upheld a decision rejecting a petition for disqualification against five members of the Tulfo family, who sought seats in the Senate and House of Representatives in Eleksyon 2025, for procedural defect. In a six-paged decision issued Wednesday, the poll body junked the motion for reconsideration (MR) filed by lawyer Virgilio Garcia, who had questioned the ruling of the Comelec First Division in March denying the disqualification petition against ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo, broadcast journalist Ben Tulfo, ACT-CIS Representative Jocelyn Pua-Tulfo, Quezon City 2nd District Representative Ralph Tulfo, and former Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo, the nominee of the Turismo party-list in the recent May 12 polls. Erwin, Ben and Wanda are siblings, while Jocelyn and Ralph are the wife and son, respectively, of another Tulfo sibling, Raffy, who is an incumbent senator. Erwin ranked fourth in the Senate race while his brother, Ben, lost. Ralph won his reeelection bid while the Turismo party-list failed to secure seat in the House of Representatives. Jocelyn's party-list got two seats, and she was the second nominee of the group. Political dynasty? Garcia earlier said the Tulfo candidacies constituted a political dynasty, which is prohibited under the 1987 Constitution. He likewise questioned their nationality. His petition was dismissed due to his alleged failure to submit all the required documents, including the respondents' certificates of candidacy (COC). 'The Motion for Reconsideration is denied…The assailed Order was neither without sufficient basis found in the records, nor contrary to law,' the decision reads. 'Procedural rules are not to be disdained as mere technicalities that may be ignored at will to suit the convenience of a party. They are fundamental to the orderly administration of justice and are particularly vital in election cases, where the prompt and fair resolution of disputes is imperative,' it said. The en banc added: 'In this case, the Petitioner's failure to attach the COCs of the Respondents is a serious procedural defect, not a mere lapse. The COC is the document that formally establishes a candidate's eligibility, the position sought, and the declaration of qualifications. Without it, the Commission is left to speculate on the very information alleged in the Petition, depriving it of a concrete basis for evaluation'. The Comelec en banc likewise said the allegations of political dynasty against the candidacy of the Tulfo family is 'bereft of legal basis' as there is no enabling law against political dynasties. It also said Garcia failed to submit credible or admissible evidence that would support his accusations of the citizenship of the Eleksyon 2025 bets. 'Citizenship is a legal status that is presumed to subsist unless shown otherwise by clear and affirmative proof. The records are devoid of any document or credible evidence establishing that Respondents have acquired foreign citizenship, renounced their Filipino nationality, or otherwise lost their status as natural-born Filipino citizens,' it said. 'Mere assertions regarding their alleged prolonged residence abroad, unsubstantiated by documentary proof, do not suffice to overcome the presumption of citizenship. Well-settled is the rule that mere allegation is not evidence, and he who alleges has the burden of proving his allegation with the requisite quantum of evidence,' it added. In February, Virgilio Garcia asked the Comelec to disqualify the respondents from the May elections. For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite. For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.
Filipino Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Imee Marcos says colleagues urge her to run for Senate president, calls for budget, electoral reforms
Reelected Senator Imee Marcos revealed that some of her colleagues in the upcoming 20th Congress have encouraged her to seek the Senate presidency. In a statement, Marcos said she had been approached by fellow senators but did not disclose how she responded. 'Some senators have approached me with the proposal to be their candidate for Senate President,' she said. 'Whoever will be elected by our peers, whether it is me or not, there are certain congressional reforms that need to be undertaken,' she added. Among her top priorities is reforming the budgetary process, especially the practices observed during bicameral conference committee deliberations on the annual national budget. 'The most important is reform in the budgetary process. Tigilan na ang mahiwagang bicam,' she said. 'The right priorities in spending, considering our recurring fiscal deficits and huge indebtedness, must be legislated: food security and support to our farmers and fishermen; education; health and truly necessary social services.' Marcos also took issue with a recent statement by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), which said President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. will sit as an observer during the budget process. 'Parenthetically, once the OP (Office of the President) has submitted the NEP (National Expenditure Program) to Congress, the power of the purse must be respected,' she said. 'The DBM statement that the president will involve himself in the budgetary process after the NEP is submitted is infirm and unconstitutional.' As of posting, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding Senator Marcos' remarks. The senator also highlighted the need for electoral reforms, particularly those involving political parties, which she claimed have become 'mere tools for personal ambition rather than the public interest.' 'Above all, the Senate as the guardian of national interest must always be upheld; its independence non-negotiable,' she stressed. Aside from Marcos, other senators reportedly in the running for Senate President are incumbent Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero and Senator-elect Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III. Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo confirmed that both Escudero and Sotto have approached him for discussions on the Senate leadership. 'Parehas sila inimbitahan ako. They want to sit down with me. Si Sen. Tito Sotto. Ganun din si Sen. Chiz, pero sabi ko sa kanila pareho ay kausapin ko muna 'yung utol ko,' Tulfo said, referring to his brother, incumbent Senator Raffy Tulfo. Tulfo said he has yet to make a commitment to either of the two, though he had a 'long discussion' with his brother about the matter. Erwin Tulfo ran under the Marcos administration's Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas alongside Sotto, while Raffy Tulfo previously worked with Escudero in the 19th Congress. While the Tulfo brothers have consulted each other, Erwin said his vote may still differ from his brother's. 'I need more time to consult because six years or three years… magiging Senate president. Kung mali ang mailuklok namin, yari tayo, walang patutunguhan,' he said. 'Kailangan ang Senate president kaya niyang pagkaisahin ang mga senador. Kailangan maraming batas ang maipasa para sa taumbayan, hindi 'yung pang-sariling interes. Dapat 'yung interes ng Senate president is interest ng pangkalahatan. Hindi lang ng senador, kundi ng taumbayan,' he added. Reelected Senator Bong Go earlier confirmed that both Sotto and Escudero have also reached out to him about the Senate presidency. Last week, reelected Senator Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson said that at least 13 senators in the 20th Congress are leaning toward electing a Senate president who is 'independent, transparent, and competent.
GMA Network
23-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Erwin Tulfo takes oath as senator before barangay captain in Quiapo
Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo on Friday took his oath of office in Quiapo, Manila. Tulfo was sworn in by his good friend Barangay Chairperson Johnny Dela Cruz at around 9:00 a.m. in Barangay 307, Zone 30, Quiapo, Manila. In an interview with reporters, Tulfo said he chose to take his oath before a barangay captain in Quiapo, Manila because he is a devotee of the Black Nazarene. 'Mas pinili ko dito sa barangay, dahil barangay is the first line na nakikita ng tao…ibig sabihin mas malapit ang mga tao sa barangay. So I chose to swear in dito sa aming kaibigan na barangay captain kasi 'yun din 'yung purpose natin, gusto natin na medyo mas mapalapit sa tao, mas mabilis nating maririnig ang kanilang mga reklamo,' Tulfo said. The incoming senator also said this decision to take oath in a barangay hall is in line with his promise to push for a salary standardization law for barangay officials. Apart from this, Tulfo reiterated his commitment to review the Rice Tariffication Law, file bills on national land use and PhilHealth benefits reform. Asked about his preparations for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Tulfo said he wants to see the pieces of evidence first. 'Maraming sinasabi na guilty si VP Sara, gusto ko makita…kailangan makita 'yung ebidensya,' he said. 'Pag judge ka, dapat neutral ka hanggang sa mabasa mo na lahat, makita mo na lahat,' he added. Tulfo will be joining his brother Senator Raffy Tulfo in the upper chamber in the 20th Congress after landing fourth in the 2025 senatorial race with over 17 million votes.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
23-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Comelec junks DQ case vs Erwin Tulfo
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed a petition to disqualify Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo in the May 2025 midterm elections. In a 25-page decision dated Thursday, the Second Division said the disqualification case filed by Toto Causing and Graft-Free Philippines Foundation Inc. (GFPFI) against Tulfo was junked over petitioners' failure to observe certain requirements. 'The Petition is DISMISSED,' it said. 'At the onset, it is imperative to settle the procedural issues raised by Respondent alleging Petitioners' failure to observe certain requirements under the rules, and such failure warrants the outright dismissal of the Petition for insufficiency in form,' it added. The certificate of candidacy (COC) submitted by the petitioners has no affidavit of authentication. There is also no secretary's certificate. 'Respondent pointed out that Petitioners attached an electronic copy of Respondent's COC downloaded from the COMELEC website sans an Affidavit of Authentication in accordance with Section 4 (2) of COMELEC Resolution No. 11046,' the Second Division said. 'Additionally, Respondent also pointed out that there is no Secretary Certificate showing that Petitioner Calonge was duly authorized by Petitioner GFPFI, a juridical entity, to sign on its behalf the Verification and Certification of Non-Forum Shopping, in accordance with Section 5 of Rule 7 of the Rules of Court,' it added. Causing's group called for Tulfo's disqualification in the 2025 senatorial race for having been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and not being a Filipino citizen. The petitioners cited alleged violation of the Section 26 of Article II of the 1987 Constitution on equal access to opportunities to public service, the political dynasty provisions, and nepotism. Also, they said Section 1 of Article XI of the 1987 Constitution was violated for failing to prove his academic qualification or ability to serve the People of the Philippines with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency. 'In view of the multiple grounds already established for the dismissal of the Petition, the other matters and issues raised by the parties no longer merit any consideration,' the Second Division said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.
Filipino Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Erwin Tulfo: Duterte impeachment not a ‘teleserye,' vows fair judgment in senate trial
Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo said he is prepared to fulfill his role as an impeachment judge in the upcoming Senate trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing the need for impartiality and evidence-based decision-making. 'This isn't a teleserye. We're talking about removing the second-highest official in the land from office, and possibly barring her from running again. That's not something we take lightly,' Tulfo told NewsWatch Plus in an interview. The incoming senator, who placed fourth in the May 2025 elections, said his background in journalism will help him navigate the proceedings with fairness and objectivity. 'As journalists, we're trained to look at both sides. May nag-aakusa—what's your evidence? The defense—what do they have? You weigh the facts. Ganun din dapat dito,' he said. Tulfo emphasized that any ruling should rely strictly on the merits of the case. 'Kung mali, then so be it. Bahala nang magalit ang iba. But if it lacks merit, then we dismiss it. Why waste time? The public will be watching us closely,' he added. Tulfo's comments reflect a broader call from newly elected senators to uphold fairness and transparency. Senator Bong Go, who topped the senatorial race, said the trial must depend entirely on evidence: 'Kung walang ebidensya, eh 'di wala. Sayang lang 'yung oras kung ipipilit.' Returning Senator Ping Lacson said the House must present strong and credible proof to persuade at least 16 senators to convict Duterte. 'We will be answerable to the Filipino people,' he said. Other senators echoed similar sentiments. Senator Imee Marcos pledged to scrutinize the evidence thoroughly, while Duterte ally Senator Rodante Marcoleta claimed the case was flawed from the beginning. The Senate trial is scheduled to begin on July 30.
