While aiming to join brother in Senate, Erwin Tulfo backs political dynasty ban

MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Erwin Tulfo (ACT-CIS party-list) expressed support for anti-political dynasty legislation while filing his certificate of candidacy (CoC) for senator on Sunday, October 6.

Tulfo, who is looking to join his brother Raffy in the Senate, stated that he would back such a law if it benefits the nation.

"If there's a law, the majority will discuss it. We will look at how the dynasty law would be shaped. If it's for the benefit of the nation, why not?" Tulfo said in a mix of English and Filipino.

The potential addition of Erwin Tulfo to the Senate would increase the number of senators with familial ties. Currently, the Senate includes:

- Two pairs of siblings: Pia and Allan Peter Cayetano, Jinggoy Estrada and JV Ejercito
- A mother-and-son tandem: Mark and Cynthia Villar
- Sen. Imee Marcos, sister of the president

Erwin's family is already well-represented in politics:

- Brother Raffy is a sitting senator and chairperson of Senate committees
- Brother Ben filed his CoC for senator on October 5
- Sister Wanda Tulfo-Teo was the former Secretary of Tourism
- Wife Jocelyn is an ACT-CIS Party-list lawmaker
- Son Ralph Tulfo filed CoC for Quezon City 2nd District representative

Attempts vs political dynasties

The Philippine Constitution prohibits political dynasties under Article 2 Section 26, but this provision requires implementing legislation. Since 2011, several lawmakers have introduced bills to prohibit political dynasties, including:

• House Bill 166 (2016) by Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr., aimed at curbing the rise of political clans
• House Bill 3861 (2016) by Reps. Kaka Bag-ao, Tomasito Villarin, and Nancy Catamco
• House Bill 110 (2018) by Rep. Lawrence Fortun
• House Bill 145 (2019) by Rep. Rodante Marcoleta
• Senate Bills 11, 30, and 264 (2019) by Senators Franklin Drilon, Panfilo Lacson, and Francis Pangilinan
• Senate Bill 2730 (2024) by Senator Robin Padilla

In March 2024, a group of lawyers petitioned the Supreme Court to compel Congress to pass an anti-political dynasty law.

Tulfo's stance

When questioned about potential criticism on his family's political involvement, Tulfo stressed that without an existing law, the decision lies with the voters:

"Well if there's no law yet, then let the people decide. Once it becomes law, then we'll stop. And I believe this won't stop unless there is a law."

He added, "If they only want Raffy, that's fine, no problem. If they want both of us, that's fine too... because we don't have a law."