Why Didn’t Erwin Tulfo Sign the Impeachment Complaint Against VP Sara Duterte?
ERWIN TULFO – The Deputy Majority Leader and representative of ACT-CIS Partylist clarified why he chose not to sign the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a statement on February 6, Tulfo explained that his decision was driven by his desire to remain impartial if he were to become a senator and serve as a “senator-judge” in the impeachment proceedings. On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives approved the impeachment complaint against VP Duterte after 215 lawmakers signed it. The complaint has since been sent to the Senate, where a two-thirds vote (16 out of 24 senators) will be needed to remove Duterte from office.
Erwin Tulfo emphasized that, with the 2025 senatorial elections approaching, he could potentially be one of the senators who will participate in the impeachment trial. He believed that by refraining from signing the complaint, he would avoid any appearance of bias in judging the case, ensuring a fair assessment based on the evidence presented.
“Hindi ako pumirma sa impeachment complaint laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte dahil iniiwasan kong magkaroon ng bahid ang ating paghusga, lalo na’t may tyansang maging senator-judge tayo,” he said. He added: “Ilang buwan na lang bago ang halalan at magkakaroon ng bagong grupo ng mga senador na sisiyasat sa mga ebidensya. Ito yung pagtutuunan natin ng pansin sakaling maging senator-judge tayo- magbigay ng hatol ayon sa mga ilalatag na ebidensyang bawat panig.”
He further shared that, with only a few months before the election, new senators would be tasked with examining the evidence and making a decision. Tulfo pledged that, should he be elected, he would focus on delivering a fair judgment based solely on the facts and not allow personal interests to influence his decision.
While Tulfo’s decision may raise questions, he stressed his commitment to continue fighting for the betterment of the Filipino people and supporting those who are oppressed. He is currently leading the senatorial preference survey and is focused on his campaign for the upcoming May 2025 elections.