The Tulfo family’s strong presence in the 2025 elections has been met with legal challenges after a disqualification case was filed against five of its members.
The petition, lodged by a certain Virgilio Garcia, was submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday, targeting senatorial candidates Erwin and Ben Tulfo, alongside ACT-CIS Rep. Jocelyn Pua-Tulfo, Quezon City Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo, and Turismo party-list nominee Wanda Tulfo-Teo.
Allegations of Political Dynasty Control
The complaint argues that the Tulfos are engaged in an unconstitutional political dynasty, citing Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates equal access to public service and prohibits dynasties.
The petition notes that the five candidates are closely related to incumbent Senator Raffy Tulfo, forming a powerful bloc in both houses of Congress.
Garcia contends that their dominance in public office undermines fair representation. “Having three brothers in the Senate, along with a sister, a wife, and a son in Congress, is exactly the kind of monopolistic control the Constitution seeks to prevent,” the complaint states.
The petition argues that even in the absence of an enabling law, the intent of the Constitution’s framers was to curb excessive family control in government.
Ben Tulfo Defends Family’s Political Rise
In response, Ben Tulfo dismissed claims of dynasty-building, stating that his family’s rise in politics was due to public trust, not an orchestrated grab for power.
“We don’t control a province or a city. People chose us because they believe in our work,” he explained, drawing comparisons to families of lawyers and doctors pursuing similar careers.
Citizenship Issues Resurface for Erwin Tulfo
The petition also resurrects the citizenship controversy that previously blocked Erwin Tulfo’s appointment as Secretary of Social Welfare and Development in 2022.
The complaint asserts that Tulfo’s previous American citizenship disqualifies him from running for the Senate, arguing that reacquiring Philippine nationality under Republic Act 9225 does not restore his natural-born status.
It further cites his service in the U.S. Army and possession of a U.S. passport as factors casting doubt on his allegiance to the country.
Erwin Tulfo dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, linking them to his strong performance in recent senatorial surveys.
Polls from Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations place him as the leading candidate, with Ben Tulfo also ranking within the top 12. Erwin is part of the administration-backed slate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Comelec to Review the Case
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia clarified that the commission’s role in accepting candidacies is ministerial unless a formal case is filed. “Even if there are potential issues, we can only act when a registered voter submits a valid petition,” he explained.
