Erwin Tulfo files defamation complaint against three 'ex-Marines' over allegations

Senator Erwin Tulfo filed on Monday an oral defamation complaint before Pasay City prosecutors against three former bodyguards of former lawmaker Zaldy Co over allegations of cash deliveries and trafficking.

According to the complaint, the respondents are Bernard Gumban, Rosebert Waupan, and Benny Bulontate for grave oral defamation under Article 358 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

“The respondents’ statements are actionable in accordance with the law and are not shielded by legislative privilege or immunity,” Tulfo said.

During the hearing led by the Cayetano bloc last week, one of the 18 individuals claimed he personally participated in two deliveries allegedly intended for Tulfo.

According to Gumban, the first delivery involved two suitcases, one small and one medium-sized, while the second involved six suitcases of varying sizes.

Meanwhile, based on the complaint, Waupan alleged that he brought women for Tulfo’s selection and referred to him as the “VIP." Tulfo said Bulontate corroborated Waupan's claims.

Ordinary press conference?

According to Tulfo, due to irregularities with the proceedings, the three made the allegations against him in an “ordinary press conference” inside the Senate.

“The mere fact that the activity was held within Senate premises does not, by itself, confer immunity or privilege where the proceeding itself is irregular, unauthorized, and outside the scope of valid legislative proceedings,” he said.

Tulfo said that the Cayetano bloc’s Blue Ribbon Committee hearing attended by the three individuals last week was “highly irregular and illegal” due to procedural infirmities and lack of proper notice to all senators.

He also said that there was a shift in the Senate majority after a 12-member quorum was constituted with the appearance of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

According to Tulfo, all positions were declared vacant during the proceedings. Following his election as chairman of the committee, he said he issued a notice postponing and resetting the hearing to a later date.

Public ridicule

Meanwhile, Tulfo said he was subjected to public ridicule, contempt, scorn, suspicion, and humiliation due to the allegations.

“These accusations are personal attacks on my integrity and standing and have nothing to do with my position as a member of the Senate,” he said.

He also questioned why the individuals made public their allegations against him when they had already submitted a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Tulfo reiterated his denial of the allegations.

“For the record, I vehemently deny having received any illegal money nor have I participated in any deliveries of the same by the former aides of Zaldy Co, contrary to what Respondent Gumban depicted,” he said.

“Prior to the Senate, I was part of the Party List of ACT-CIS. I never had any congressional insertions nor have I been a recipient of congressional funds, considering that my party list had no specific congressional district to which such funds may be allocated,” he added.

When sought for comment, the 18 individuals’ legal counsel, lawyer Levito Baligod, said Tulfo has the right to file a complaint.

He also doubled down on the allegations.

“Hindi pa ‘yun ang buong ginawa niya. Marami pa,” he said in an ambush interview.

(That’s not the only thing he did. There’s more.) —NB, GMA News