Erwin Tulfo takes oath as ACT-CIS party-list representative

Former Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo on Tuesday took his oath as ACT-CIS party-list representative.

“The oath of office is a formality, one of the requirements we need,” House Secretary General Reginald Velasco told reporters.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division earlier junked a disqualification case against Tulfo for lack of jurisdiction since it was filed long after ACT-CIS was proclaimed one of the winners in the party-list race. 

Velasco, however, said Tulfo will assume his House seat only after the chamber officially receives correspondence from the Comelec that he is indeed the nominee of the ACT-CIS party-list.

He added the ACT-CIS party-list has also sent official correspondence to the House that Tulfo is indeed its nominee to replace resigned ACT-CIS lawmaker Jeffrey Soriano.

“We are just awaiting the formal communication from the Comelec so he can actually take his office,” Velasco said.

Tulfo's appointment as DSWD Secretary was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments composed of lawmakers from the House and the Senate.

The CA bypassing his appointment came after it was revealed that Tulfo is still an American citizen.—LDF, GMA Integrated News