ACT-CIS party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo emphasized on Tuesday that no existing law prohibits political dynasties in the Philippines.
At a press briefing for the Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates, Tulfo responded to the disqualification case filed against him and some of his family members.
“I have yet to receive a notice or subpoena from the Commission on Elections (Comelec). I only found out about it from my barber yesterday—he read it on social media,” Tulfo said.
The disqualification case, reportedly filed by an elderly petitioner, cites Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which states:
“The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”
Tulfo pointed out that while the Constitution mentions political dynasties, it also states that they must be defined by law, which Congress has yet to enact.
Call for Legislation
Tulfo acknowledged the need for an anti-political dynasty law, saying he would support such a measure if it were introduced.
“Unfortunately, Congress and the Senate have yet to act on this. Until a law is passed, situations like this will continue to happen,” he explained.
Meanwhile, former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson announced plans to re-file an anti-dynasty bill. He expressed hope that the proposed measure, which defines the degree of affinity and consanguinity covered under the law, would gain support in Congress.
“I have filed that so many times. It would be easy to re-file, but I hope it finally gets the needed support,” Lacson said.
The Disqualification Case
On Monday, lawyer Virgilio Garcia filed a 19-page petition before the Comelec, seeking to disqualify several members of the Tulfo family running in the 2025 elections:
- Erwin Tulfo and Ben Tulfo – Running for Senate
- Jocelyn Pua-Tulfo and Ralph Tulfo – Seeking House of Representatives seats
- Wanda Tulfo Teo – Party-list nominee (Turismo)
Garcia argued that the Tulfo family constitutes a political dynasty, which violates the Constitution, and further claimed that they were not natural-born Filipinos.
Tulfo said he would leave the legal matters to his lawyer.
As the 2025 elections approach, the case raises renewed debate over political dynasties and the long-standing absence of an enabling law to enforce constitutional provisions.