Metro Manila, Philippines – The disqualification case against five members of the Tulfo family running for Senate and House seats in the May midterm polls was dismissed by a Commission on Elections (Comelec) division.
The First Division, in a decision released on Tuesday, March 4, deemed the petition “insufficient in form” due to two major defects:
Asked about the petition on Feb. 18, Erwin said there is no enabling law prohibiting political dynasties and even expressed support for such a measure.
A second disqualification case against Erwin Tulfo over his citizenship is pending. It was earlier raffled to the Comelec first division as well. It is expected to issue a decision next week.
• Failure to attach the respondents’ certificates of candidacy (COCs)
• Failure to provide the respondents with a copy of the petition
In a chance interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body could have easily granted the petitioner’s request for a certified true copy of the COCs as this is part of the process.
He also noted that it is a requirement to furnish the respondents with a copy of the petition.
“Although hindi namin gustong magpakastrikto pero… hindi namin pwedeng i-set aside yung basic requirements ng rules namin [While we do not want to be overly strict about this, we cannot set aside the basic requirements of our rules],” Garcia said.
“Why discuss the merits kung sa technicality pa lang may problema na [if there are problems with technicality]” he added.
The petition seeks to disqualify five family members of Senator Raffy Tulfo:
– brothers Erwin and Ben who are frontrunners in pre-election senatorial surveys;
– sister and former Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, who is vying for a congressional seat as the first nominee of Turismo party-list;
– and wife ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Jocelyn Pua-Tulfo, and their son, Quezon City 1st District Rep. Ralph Tulfo, who are seeking re-election
Lawyer Virgilio Garcia, a congressional candidate challenging Ralph’s re-election bid, said the Tulfos should be prohibited from running in the midterm elections with their status as a political dynasty and issues on citizenship.
Poll Chairman Garcia said the petitioner could either file an appeal within five days or file another disqualification case.
In a statement, Congressman Erwin thanked the poll body for what he called a fair and just disposition.
“Ang pagkaka-dismiss 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,” Erwin said.
“Ang desisyong ito ay nagpapatunay sa matibay na paninindigan ng Komisyon sa katarungan at sa pagpapanatili ng kredibilidad ng ating demokratikong institusyon,” he added.
[Translation: The dismissal of the case due to the petitioner’s failure to comply with the necessary requirements of the Comelec is proof of the integrity of our elections and the importance of following the proper process. This decision demonstrates the commission’s strong commitment to justice and the preservation of the credibility of our democratic institutions.]
