Independent senatorial candidate and broadcaster Ben Tulfo has pushed back against questions about his Filipino citizenship, challenging critics to prove otherwise.
“Pilipino ako… Patunayan n’yo na hindi ako Pilipino. Kung hindi n’yo kayang patunayan, puro haka-haka, this is what I’m gonna tell you. Read my lips: Shut up!” Tulfo said in a video message to the media on Tuesday.
His remarks come after lawyer Virgilio Garcia filed a petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) seeking to disqualify him and four other members of the Tulfo family from running in the upcoming elections. The petition claims that they are part of a political dynasty and do not meet the Constitutional requirement of being natural-born Filipino citizens.
Tulfo also addressed concerns about political dynasties, pointing out that the country lacks a clear enabling law to enforce such restrictions.
“Hangga’t walang malinaw na batas, enabling law, sino ang mag-i-implement niyan? For now, I trust the wisdom of the Commission on Elections,” he said.
While expressing support for an anti-dynasty law, Tulfo said he would push for clearer regulations if elected.
“Kung ako ay papalarin… sisilipin ko na lang ‘yan. Tingnan natin kung ano’ng magagawa natin para hindi na magkaroon ng kalituhan at medyo iyong kanya-kanyang interpretasyon dahil may batas na,” he added.
His brother, Senate frontrunner Erwin Tulfo, also addressed the disqualification case, leaving the matter to their legal team. However, he expressed his support for a law against political dynasties.
“Definitely [I support an anti-dynasty law]. Bakit po hindi susuportahan? That’s for sure,” Erwin Tulfo said.
