The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Second Division has dismissed a refiled disqualification case against Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo, citing procedural deficiencies, particularly the failure to submit required documents.
The petition, filed by disbarred lawyer Berteni Cataluña Causing a.k.a. Toto Bunyog Causing, along with the Graft-Free Philippines Foundation, Inc., sought to block Tulfo's senatorial candidacy in the May 2025 midterm elections.
The case raised concerns about Tulfo’s being involved in libel conviction and questions surrounding his citizenship status.
However, in its resolution promulgated on May 22, 2025, COMELEC ruled that the petition was procedurally flawed and failed to comply with the Commission’s rules on proper pleadings.
“In this case, Petitioners improperly combined in a single pleading grounds that pertain separately and exclusively to a petition for disqualification and a petition to deny due course to or cancel a certificate of candidacy,” the COMELEC resolution stated.
The Commission added that it would not entertain further issues raised, explaining that since multiple grounds for dismissal had already been established, “the other matters brought up by the parties no longer merited consideration.”
“WHEREFORE, premises considered... the Petition... seeking to disqualify Respondent ERWIN TESHIBA TULFO, is hereby DISMISSED. SO ORDERED,” according to the Comelec Second Division ordered.
Despite the dismissal, a separate disqualification petition alleging that Tulfo's candidacy violates the constitutional prohibition on political dynasties remains pending before the Commission.
Meanwhile, Tulfo secured over 17 million votes in the midterm elections, placing fourth among the Magic 12 senatorial candidates. He was officially proclaimed a Senator on Saturday, joining his brother Raffy Tulfo in the Senate.
