The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to release its decision on the disqualification case against members of the Tulfo family by the second or third week of March, according to Comelec Chairman George Garcia.
Garcia stated that the Comelec division handling the case is addressing a technical issue before officially summoning the Tulfo family. Once they receive the summons, they will have five days to respond before the case is submitted for resolution.
The petition, filed by Virgilio Garcia, argues that the Tulfo family members violate the 1987 Constitution’s ban on political dynasties. The complaint points out that several family members are running for public office or seeking reelection, including Senator Raffy Tulfo’s wife, Jocelyn, and their son, Ralph. Additionally, Raffy’s siblings—Erwin, Ben, and Wanda Tulfo-Teo—are also seeking positions.
The petitioner claims that their simultaneous presence in government would result in an excessive concentration of political power within one family.
Erwin Tulfo, who is running for senator, was previously barred from assuming the role of Social Welfare Secretary due to citizenship concerns. The petition highlights that he had served in the U.S. Army and used a fictitious name on his American passport.
While the Constitution prohibits political dynasties, legal experts note that the absence of an enabling law makes enforcement challenging.
