SEN. Erwin Tulfo on Monday admitted he was hurt and saddened by the reported votes of three minority senators who opposed the dismissal of a motion seeking to revive a petition challenging his eligibility to remain in the Senate.
Tulfo identified Sens. Pia Cayetano, Camille Villar and Robinhood Padilla as the three minority bloc members of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) who reportedly voted in favor of the appeal, which was defeated 6-3 on Oct. 16.
“I did not expect it, but that is their right. We cannot stop them. If they believe they do not want me in the Senate, they can vote that way,” he said in a media interview.
He said he was particularly disappointed with Villar and Padilla, with whom he had maintained cordial relations.
Tulfo said he and Padilla would greet each other and refer to one another as “insan” because of their distant family ties.
He also said he had previously exchanged greetings and jokes with Villar, with whom he had worked in Congress.
As for Cayetano, Tulfo said he had anticipated her position because they had not been on speaking terms for some time.
“Seeing each other, embracing, talking and shaking hands, then suddenly this happens — it is a little saddening,” Tulfo said.
"But it is their right, after all. I mean, what can we do? We can’t exactly force them. If that’s their perspective, then so be it. Let’s just leave it in God’s hands," he added.
Tulfo clarified that he was not present during the SET deliberations and could not personally confirm how the members voted. His account was based on information circulating on social media and reports about the tribunal's decision.
The SET voted 6-3 on Oct. 16 to deny a motion for reconsideration filed by petitioner Berteni Cataluña Causing, who sought to revive a petition questioning Tulfo's qualifications to serve as senator.
According to reports, three Supreme Court associate justices and three senators from the majority bloc voted to deny the motion, while the three minority bloc senators reportedly voted the other way.
Tulfo said the petition's citizenship allegations had previously been dismissed by the Commission on Elections and the Supreme Court in separate proceedings.
He added that the SET's ruling was based on procedural grounds, including the late filing of the motion and failure to comply with filing and service requirements.
The original petition, dismissed by the SET on March 2, questioned Tulfo's citizenship, alleged allegiance to the United States, supposed ties to a political dynasty and academic qualifications.
Tulfo also questioned the political dynasty allegation, arguing that no law currently prohibits political dynasties, as contemplated under the Constitution.
He challenged lawmakers raising the issue to consider whether their own family ties in politics could also come under scrutiny.
