THE Commission on Elections (Comelec)’s Second Division dismissed a petition to disqualify broadcaster Erwin Tulfo from belatedly joining the House of Representatives.
The poll body on Thursday announced that it junked the plea for lack of jurisdiction, saying it no longer has the authority to decide on the fate of Tulfo and his group, ACT-CIS party-list.
Tulfo found his way to the Batasang Pambansa shortly after he had been replaced as Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary after the Commission on Appointments bypassed his appointment over questions on his citizenship and a previous libel conviction.
“Under Section 4(b), Rule 5 of COMELEC Resolution No. 9366, a petition for disqualification of PL nominees must be filed at any day not later than the date of proclamation.
But the Petition for Disqualification against Erwin Tulfo was filed nine months after the proclamation of ACT-CIS, or on 1 March 2023,” Comelec said in a statement.
“Thus the COMELEC no longer has jurisdiction over the petition for being filed out of time.”
Tulfo had been listed as ACT-CIS’ fourth nominee, but the third nominee resigned so he moved up to fill the vacant seat.
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