Ralph Tulfo denies using public funds in lavish Las Vegas party

Quezon City 2nd District Representative Ralph Tulfo admitted that he was in the viral video online where he was seen partying at a bar in Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States, but denied using public funds to pay the bill amounting to over P2 million. 

According to Mark Salazar’s report in “24 Oras” on Monday, Tulfo said the video posted by Boldyak TV on YouTube was taken in 2023 where he was with his friends. 

“Ako po ay humihingi ng pang-unawa para sa video…(na) kuha sa isang pribadong pagdiriwang noong Pasko 2023…(dahil) may natanggap na magandang balita ang aking mga kaibigan,” said Tulfo, the son of Senator Raffy Tulfo.

(I am asking for understanding for the video... (which was) taken during a private celebration in Christmas 2023... (because) my friends received some good news.) 

The 29-year-old lawmaker also clarified that he and his friends split the bill: “Bagama’t ginamit ang aking credit card, nag-ambagan naman po kaming lahat para sa kabuuang halaga ng ginastos.”

(Although my credit card was used, we all pitched in for the total amount spent.)  

The bill supposedly amounted to approximately $42,000.00.

“Ito ay isang personal trip, at wala kaming ginamit na pondo ng gobyerno at pera ng taumbayan,” Tulfo said. 

(This was a personal trip, and we did not use any government funds or the people’s money.) 

Further, the congressman said that he understands the public’s sentiments. But he pointed out that people’s attention should not be diverted from the issue of corruption that is prevailing now. 

“Nauunawan ko kung bakit masakit para sa mga Pilipino ang mga ganitong uri ng pagdiriwang,” he said. 

(I understand why these kinds of celebrations are painful for Filipinos to see.) 

“Huwag po tayong papayag na ilihis ang usapin ng korapsyon. Sama-sama po tayong mas maging mapagmatyag at panagutin ang dapat managot.” 

(Let’s not allow the issue of corruption to be diverted. Together, let us be more vigilant and make those who are accountable, accountable.) 

However, Tulfo was not seen during the plenary session at the House of Representatives. His mother, ACT-CIS Representative Jocelyn Tulfo, did not respond regarding the issue, according to the report. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF/KG, GMA Integrated News