Defamation case filed vs 3 ex‑bodyguards — Sen Erwin Tulfo

SENATOR Erwin Tulfo formally filed complaints for grave oral defamation against Bernard Gumban, Rosebert Waupan, and Benny Bulontate before the Pasay Regional Trial Court on June 8 at around 3:30 PM.

These three individuals are among the 18 former security personnel who earlier accused Tulfo of being involved in kickback schemes linked to anomalous flood control projects as well as allegations of human trafficking. The lawmaker was accompanied by his legal counsel, Atty. Jovito Barate, when he lodged the formal charges before the court.

The legal action comes shortly after the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee — now reorganized and chaired by Tulfo — held its latest hearing to reopen the investigation into corruption in government infrastructure projects. The panel had repeatedly invited all 18 former bodyguards to appear and testify under oath so they could substantiate their serious accusations. However, none of them showed up despite receiving official notices, prompting Tulfo to take further steps to clear his name and hold his accusers accountable.

Tulfo has maintained that the allegations against him are baseless, politically motivated, and made solely to destroy his reputation and credibility as a public official. By filing the defamation suit, he aims to challenge the veracity of their claims and prove that their statements were made with malice and without any supporting evidence. He emphasized that while he welcomes legitimate investigations, he will not tolerate the spread of false information that harms his honor and undermines public trust.

This development adds another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding the flood control fund scandal, which has exposed deep divisions within the Senate leadership.

The absence of the accusers during the committee hearing and the subsequent filing of charges highlight the growing legal and political consequences of the claims and counter‑claims now circulating. Tulfo’s camp said they are ready to present evidence and witnesses in court to show that the accusations were fabricated, and they remain committed to pursuing the truth behind the irregularities uncovered in the infrastructure projects.