A petition has been filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) seeking to disqualify Rep. Erwin Tulfo, Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo, Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo, Wanda Teo, and Ben Tulfo from seeking public office, citing allegations of political dynasty and questions over their citizenship.
Lawyer Virgilio Garcia, who filed the petition, argued that the respondents belong to the same family and are closely related to incumbent Senator Raffy Tulfo, making their candidacies a concentration of political power.
“They are within the first and second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity of each other,” the petition stated, emphasizing that such an arrangement is prohibited under the 1987 Constitution.
Garcia also questioned Erwin Tulfo’s citizenship, citing his previous service in the U.S. Army and allegations that he held a U.S. passport under a different name. “Despite that disqualification, he was allowed to assume a post as a party-list nominee of ACT-CIS,” the petition claimed.
The petition further argued that the Tulfos had resided in the U.S. for an extended period and must prove they meet the constitutional qualifications to run for office. “Any doubt whether respondents are natural-born Filipinos is resolved against them,” Garcia added.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed that the petition will be assigned to a division for review. “It will undergo the usual and ordinary process,” he told ABS-CBN News.
The petition, dated February 14, 2025, is expected to be deliberated upon by Comelec in the coming days.
