Comelec to Decide on Tulfo Family Disqualification by March
COMELEC – The Commission on Elections is expected to announce its decision on the disqualification case against the Tulfo family by the second or third week of March.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia explained that the division handling the case is resolving a technical issue before officially notifying the respondents. Once they receive the summons, they will have five days to submit their response. After that, the case will be ready for a decision.
The petition, filed by Virgilio Garcia, argues that multiple Tulfos holding public office violates the 1987 Constitution’s ban on political dynasties. He pointed out that the respondents are closely related by blood or marriage to Senator Raffy Tulfo. Erwin Tulfo, Ben Tulfo, and Wanda Tulfo-Teo are his siblings, Rep. Jocelyn Pua-Tulfo is his wife, and Rep. Ralph Tulfo is their son.
Garcia expressed concern about political power being concentrated within one family, noting that the Tulfos already have a strong presence in Congress. He warned that adding three more family members would further expand their influence.
In the upcoming elections, Rep. Erwin Tulfo is running for senator, while Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo is seeking reelection. Their son, Rep. Ralph Tulfo, is also running again for Quezon City’s 2nd district. Wanda Tulfo-Teo is the first nominee of the Turismo Party-list, while Ben Tulfo is also campaigning for a Senate seat.
The petition also questioned Erwin Tulfo’s eligibility, recalling that he was previously barred from serving as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development due to citizenship issues. It alleges that Erwin served in the U.S. Army and held a U.S. passport under a false name. Despite this, he was still allowed to become a nominee of the ACT-CIS Party-list, which Garcia found questionable. With Comelec’s decision expected in March, the ruling could significantly impact the Tulfos’ political future.
Related Post: Tulfo Family Faces Disqualification Case Over Political Dynasty Claims