Erwin Tulfo faces ouster case over citizenship

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) has disclosed that a petition challenging Senator Erwin Tulfo's authority to hold public office over citizenship issues office was filed in July over questions surrounding his citizenship.

“We have a petitIon for quo warranto against one of the members of the Senate filed on July 15, 2025 on the ground of alleged ineligibility due to citizenship,” SET Deputy Secretary Eleanor Francisco-Anunciacion said during a Senate finance committee hearing on the tribunal’s proposed 2026 budget on Monday, Oct. 27.

The SET handles contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of senators. The Constitution reserves to natural-born Filipinos the right to hold office as a senator.

While Francisco-Anunciacion did not name the lawmaker, slides presented during the hearing identified Tulfo as respondent.

“On July 15, 2025, the Tribunal received and docketed a Petition for Quo Warranto filed by Berteni Cataluna Causing against Senator Erwin T. Tulfo, primarily on the ground of alleged ineligibility due to citizenship,” the presentation stated.

The petition remains pending, with the tribunal currently taking preliminary actions on the case.

In a statement, Tulfo said he is aware of the pending case and is ready to face the legal process.

“Matatandaang kaparehong tao rin po, na isang disbarred lawyer, ang paulit-ulit na nag-file ng disqualification case laban sa akin noong panahon ng kampanya kaya di na rin po tayo nagulat. At lahat po ng DQ cases na isinampa ng taong ito laban sa akin ay dismissed na,” he said in a statement.

[Translation: It should be remembered that the same person - a disbarred lawyer - was the one who repeatedly filed disqualification cases against me during the campaign period, so I’m no longer surprised. All of the disqualification cases that this individual filed against me have already been dismissed.]

Tulfo previously faced disqualification cases before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) involving issues such as a prior libel conviction, questions about his citizenship, and political dynasty concerns.

All cases were dismissed by the Comelec, paving the way for Tulfo to assume office after placing fourth in the May midterm elections.