Palacio del Gobernador, Manila — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) formally dismissed the disqualification petition filed against the Tulfo siblings and 2 other kins.
In a decision by the COMELEC First Division, it has junked the disqualification cases filed by certain Atty. Virgilio Garcia versus senatorial aspirants ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, broadcaster Ben Tulfo, ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo; Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo; and Turismo party-list first nominee Wanda Tulfo-Teo.
In his petition, Garcia cited political dynasty as a ground for disqualification, highlighting violation of “anomalous monopolistic concentration of political power in one family” stated in the 1987 constitution.
Erwin and Ben, who are both running as a senator, as well as Wanda, are siblings of incumbent Senator Raffy Tulfo. Jocelyn is Raffy’s wife, and Ralph is their son.
This is still aside from the allegation that the Tulfo’s lack requirements for candidacy, emphasizing the question on their nationality.
Based on the COMELEC’s decision, the grounds for the case dismissal is because the petition is insufficient in form.
The decision highlighted that the petitioner failed to comply with the requirements stated in Comelec Resolution No. 11046, Section 4, Paragraph 7 (ii) on the procedures needed to be observed.
It added that the petitioner failed to provide copies of the Certificate of Candidacies of the respondents, which are vital in proving the allegations as petitioned.
This is still aside from the fact that it cannot be verified whether the petition was properly served to the respondents.
On the other hand, Erwin tulfo expressed gratitude to COMELEC for the fair decision regarding the disqualification case, highlighting the importance of due process.
He noted that this decision made him more determined in his service to the Filipino people, and has committed to remain true and fair to his duties in the Congress.
