Tulfo threatens arrest vs senators holding unauthorized Blue Ribbon hearings

SENATOR Erwin Tulfo has warned that he will order the arrest of any lawmaker who attempts to conduct proceedings under the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, asserting that he is the panel’s legitimate chair and the only one authorized to call for legislative inquiries.

His statement comes in response to a hearing held last Thursday by the bloc led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, and presided over by Senators Pia Cayetano and Rodante Marcoleta. That session featured testimonies from 18 former Marines who claimed they previously worked with former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co and were tasked to deliver suitcases filled with cash to various politicians.

“If they try to hold another hearing — especially under Blue Ribbon — just try. Go ahead and try, because I will no longer allow these unauthorized proceedings to continue. I will have you arrested. I promise you that,” Tulfo declared firmly during an interview. He emphasized that his authority is clear and that no one, regardless of rank or tenure in the Senate, is exempt from his directive. “Even if you are a senator, even if you claim to be senior or have served here for years — try me. Go ahead and try to hold another Blue Ribbon hearing,” he added.

Tulfo made it clear that past positions or influence will not deter him from taking action. “I don’t care if you were once Senate President or Speaker of the House — I will definitely have you taken into custody. If the Office of the Sergeant‑at‑Arms refuses to act, I will personally drag you out, grab you by the collar, and drive you off the Senate floor,” he said. According to him, the hearings conducted by the other group are illegitimate and amount to nothing more than a farce. “I am the legitimate Blue Ribbon Chairman, and what you are doing is utter nonsense,” he stressed.

As of this time, there has been no response or statement from Cayetano’s camp regarding Tulfo’s strong threat. The standoff highlights the deepening division within the Senate, with two rival groups claiming leadership and authority over key committees, and underscores the growing tension as both sides assert their respective rights to conduct investigations and oversee legislative work.