By Lace Anne Ebuña
(March 4, 2025) – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) 1st Division on Tuesday, March 4, dismissed a petition seeking to disqualify five members of the Tulfo family.
The disqualification case was filed in February against senatorial candidates ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo and his brother, broadcaster Ben Tulfo; along with three other family members, ACT-CIS Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo, Quezon City Rep. Ralph Tulfo, and former Tourism secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo, who are running for congressman in the midterm elections.
According to the COMELEC, the complainants failed to submit all required documents, including the certificates of candidacy of the respondents.
The petition sought their disqualification on the grounds that they allegedly constitute a political dynasty, which is in violation of the 1987 Constitution.
On the other hand, COMELEC stated that the complainants may file a motion for reconsideration or submit a new petition.
In a statement, Rep. Erwin Tulfo thanked COMELEC for what he called a fair and just decision dismissing the petition seeking to disqualify him from the 2025 senatorial race.
“Nais ko pong magpasalamat sa Poong Maykapal. Taos-puso rin akong nagpapasalamat sa 1st Division ng Commission on Elections para sa makatarungan at patas na desisyon nito sa petisyon para ma-disqualify ako bilang kandidato sa May 2025 Senatorial race,” he said.
He added that the dismissal of the case due to the petitioner’s failure to comply with COMELEC’s requirements is proof of the integrity of the elections and the importance of following due process.
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