Senator Erwin Tulfo has branded the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing conducted by the Cayetano bloc as “bogus” and a “big lie,” vehemently denying allegations that he received bribe money from former Ako Bicol Party-List Representative Zaldy Co. The accusations emerged during the hearing when a witness claiming to be a former Philippine Marine identified Tulfo as a recipient of illicit funds in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Tulfo Dismisses Witness Testimony as Inconsistent
During a media interview, Tulfo pointed out glaring inconsistencies in the testimony of Bernard Gumban, one of the 18 self-proclaimed former soldiers who testified before the committee. “There were so many lies that even he himself was confused,” Tulfo said. The senator highlighted discrepancies in Gumban’s account, including the number of suitcases allegedly delivered and the amount of money they supposedly contained. Tulfo also noted that certain individuals named in Gumban’s original affidavit did not appear in his testimony before the committee.
Questioning the Impartiality of the Investigation
Tulfo questioned the fairness of the probe, asking, “Is this what they call an impartial investigation? If you are an ally, you are safe; if you are a critic, you are in danger?” He asserted that the hearing was part of a calculated campaign to destroy his name and reputation. “This is no longer a simple investigation; it is a clear and planned propaganda against my character and reputation,” he added.
Background of the Senate Leadership Conflict
The hearing was conducted under the group led by Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, while Tulfo and Senate President Pro-Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian have their own separate Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing amid an ongoing leadership dispute in the Senate. Tulfo had earlier announced that he would move the next hearing of his committee to June 8. However, the Cayetano camp proceeded with its hearing after a tense confrontation at the Senate involving Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Senator Pia Cayetano, and Senator Robin Padilla.
