Tulfo welcomes dismissal of eligibility case

THE Senate Electoral Tribunal has dismissed a quo warranto petition seeking the ouster of Sen. Erwin Tulfo, who called the dismissal a reaffirmation of earlier decisions clearing his eligibility. In a statement issued on Thursday, Tulfo expressed relief over the tribunal’s March 25 decision. “I thank God that this case that was repeatedly thrown at me has been dismissed,” he said. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Marvic Leonen, junked the petition on the grounds of “insufficiency in form” and failure to meet basic procedural requirements. Tulfo thanked the tribunal members for “for carefully reviewing and finally dismissing this case based on the pieces of evidence my lawyer submitted.” The petition, filed by Berteni Cataluña Causing, questioned Tulfo’s eligibility to hold public office, citing allegations that held United States citizenship and served in the US Army, a prior libel conviction allegedly involving moral turpitude, and purported violations related to political dynasties and academic qualifications. The ruling effectively ends the latest legal challenge against Tulfo, following earlier dismissals of similar cases by the Commission on Elections. He described the decision as a “direct and clear affirmation” of the previous rulings. The tribunal, which serves as the sole judge of electoral contests involving members of the Senate, has yet to release a full copy of its decision.

Go to News Site