SENATOR Erwin Tulfo announced on Friday that he is set to file libel charges against former members of the Marine Corps who claimed he and other lawmakers received suitcases filled with money.
Describing the accusations as unfounded and politically motivated, Tulfo said he will take legal action to hold his accusers accountable. “We will definitely file libel charges. They need to answer that. It is easy to accuse anyone,” he said in an interview with Balitanghali, stressing that making serious allegations should not be done without consequence.
Tulfo emphasized that every claim must be supported by proof, and pointed out that the statements made against him lacked any solid evidence to back them up. “The problem is do they have evidence? We should be evidence‑based,” he remarked. He also expressed concern that existing laws seem to have “no teeth,” allowing people to make reckless accusations freely without fear of penalty. According to him, once this controversy is resolved, authorities should consider increasing penalties for such offenses to deter others from making baseless claims in the future.
Earlier in the day, during an appearance on Unang Balita, the senator shared a different reaction, saying he was not offended by the allegations at all — in fact, he found them amusing. He brushed off the stories as nothing more than talk without basis, and maintained that these are part of a broader political plot designed to damage his reputation and credibility. He reiterated that he has done nothing wrong and that his record as a public official is clear and open to scrutiny.
The accusations in question link Tulfo and other legislators to alleged payoffs delivered in luggage, claims that have surfaced during recent inquiries involving flood control funds and related controversies. Tulfo insisted that these stories are being pushed by groups with political agendas, aiming to drag his name and others into the mess. With the libel cases now being prepared, he intends to use the legal process to prove his innocence and send a message that unfounded attacks on public officials will not go unanswered.
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