Senator Erwin Tulfo has formally filed grave oral defamation charges before the Pasay City Prosecutors’ Office against three individuals identified among the so-called “18 maleta boys,” following allegations linking him to controversial claims involving alleged cash-filled suitcases tied to flood control projects and human trafficking accusations.
The complaint was filed against Bernard Gumban, Robert Waupan, and Benny Bulontante, who had earlier testified in a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on June 4.
During the hearing, Gumban alleged that he personally delivered suitcases allegedly containing money to a residence in Greenhills, which he claimed was connected to the senator. He further stated that he made two separate deliveries—two suitcases on the first occasion and six on the second.
Additional allegations were also raised during the same Senate inquiry, including claims involving the delivery of women to hotels for a supposed VIP identified by witnesses as Senator Tulfo. The senator has strongly denied all accusations.
In response to the allegations, Tulfo dismissed the claims as politically motivated and suggested that the testimonies were being financed.
“Definitely, malinaw na malinaw naman. Malinaw na malinaw na may funding para magsabi ng mga kasinungalingan,” Tulfo said when asked about claims that the witnesses were being supported or funded.
Tulfo maintains that the accusations are baseless and part of a coordinated effort to discredit him, while legal proceedings against the respondents are now underway at the city prosecutors’ level.
