Erwin Tulfo, a senatorial candidate from Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, pointed out the lack of legislation against political dynasties in the Philippines. This statement came in response to a disqualification case filed against him and his family members. Tulfo emphasized during a press conference in Pasay City that without an enabling law, political dynasties cannot be legally prohibited. He expressed frustration over the inaction of both Congress and the Senate in creating such a law.
The disqualification petition, filed by lawyer Virgilo Garcia with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), targets Tulfo, his brother Ben Tulfo, who is also running for a Senate seat, re-electionist ACT-CIS Rep. Jocelyn Pua-Tulfo, Quezon City Rep. Ralph Tulfo, and former Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, the first nominee of the Turismo party-list. The family ties among the candidates are close, with Erwin, Ben, and Wanda being siblings, and Jocelyn and Ralph being the wife and son of incumbent Senator Raffy Tulfo.
Tulfo has delegated the handling of his disqualification case to his legal counsel, Danny Jimenez. Despite the legal challenge, Tulfo expressed his willingness to support any legislation that would enforce the 1987 Constitution’s prohibition on political dynasties. He affirmed his commitment, stating that he and his family would back such measures.
Another Alyansa senatorial candidate, former senator Panfilo Lacson, also voiced his intention to reintroduce an anti-political dynasty bill if he secures a Senate seat. Lacson, who has previously attempted to pass similar legislation, defines a political dynasty as involving second-degree relatives, including grandparents, sons, nephews, and brothers, whether legitimate or not. He hopes for bipartisan support from both the Senate and the House of Representatives to finally establish a clear definition and end the debate on political dynasties.