Now that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has finally dismissed issues aimed at blocking former ACT CIS party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo from serving in the Senate, we can only hope that such attempts will be permanently laid to rest.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed that the Comelec en banc junked a motion for reconsideration filed by a former lawyer and the Graft-Free Philippines Foundation Inc., citing lack of merit. This follows an earlier Comelec decision that also dismissed a disqualification petition based on two key allegations: Tulfo’s supposed US citizenship and a purported violation of the constitutional provision on equal access to public service.
On the citizenship issue, I remember having read somewhere that Tulfo had renounced any foreign citizenship before being appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. as Social Welfare and Development Secretary. Some accounts even say Tulfo’s application for US citizenship was denied due to errors, meaning he was never a dual citizen to begin with.
As for the “equal access to public service” claim—an argument based on the idea that his appointment allegedly undermined meritocracy—it’s difficult to see how such logic holds up, especially when there are numerous officials across national and local levels who are related by blood or marriage and have been in office for decades, often amid serious allegations of corruption.
From the time that he was appointed as DSWD Secretary, there seems to be a concerted effort to take Tulfo out of the political scene.
If it’s any consolation though, the ‘issues’ being raised had nothing to do with illegal or corrupt activities. Maybe for lack of legitimate issues, even his libel cases were brought up, knowing fully well that for all journalists, that is quite inevitable.
The fact remains that during his rather short stint at the DSWD, Tulfo proved to be such an asset to the government, as stated by President Marcos, Jr. himself, who cited “his good instincts when it comes to social service,” while the Commission on Appointments had him bypassed on issues of citizenship and libel cases.
Yet Tulfo’s effectiveness during national crises like Typhoon Paeng and the Abra earthquake was undeniable—even earning praise from former Vice President Leni Robredo, who commended his leadership during emergencies.
Those who are preoccupied with keeping Tulfo away from the political scene for reasons only they know or would benefit from, probably thought they had succeeded when they blocked his appointment in government.
But the people had the final say. Tulfo’s Senate victory — landing fourth in the 2025 midterm polls with a historic number of votes — is more than just a political win. It is a resounding vindication of his integrity, capability, and commitment to public service. It’s also a silent rebuke to those who doubted or misjudged him.
While some might view his electoral triumph as a slap in the face to his critics, it’s unlikely Tulfo himself would see it that way. It’s just me, hehehe…
Known for his focus, discipline, and deep connection with grassroots communities, he’s not one to dwell on political drama.
As a battle-tested, decent, intelligent and reputable journalist who has weathered many storms, Tulfo is not the type who would be distracted easily. He is strong-willed, focused and most especially, highly attuned to the needs of the masses in the so-called ‘laylayan,’ whom he has covered in his many years of being in the media.
For Tulfo, the odds went in his favor because his heart was in the right place. Congratulations are in order not only for him but more so, for those who voted for him, for making the right choice.
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