Senator Erwin Tulfo has expressed his willingness to step aside from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s upcoming investigation into the alleged flood control fund controversy, yielding to conditions set by a group of former security personnel.
The 18 former bodyguards, dubbed the “maleta boys,” previously alleged that multiple lawmakers received suitcases filled with cash. The group stated they would only cooperate with the congressional inquiry if Tulfo recused himself from the proceedings.
When questioned about this ultimatum, Tulfo responded, “Definitely.”
However, the lawmaker pointed out that the committee has not officially convened, noting that formal rules and procedural arrangements must first be deliberated on the Senate floor.
“I mean ang problema nga hindi pa nga natin ma-establish dahil hindi pa nabubuo yung committee dahil kailangan muna pag-usapan sa floor. Definitely, mag-iinhibit ako.”
Tulfo further revealed that he had already intended to declare his recusal once the formal hearings officially commenced. To preserve the impartiality of the investigation, he explained that alternative leadership options are already being considered.
“Plano ko na sana eh kaso meeting palang ito. Pag sa hearing proper, I will announce, I will inhibit, I will give the floor to the vice chair or magtatayo kami ng subcommittee, kaya pag-uusapan niya sa floor na let Sen. Kiko (Pangilinan) to handle it, itong flood control,” he said.
The call for recusal gained momentum after Atty. Levito Baligod, the legal counsel for the 18 accusers, challenged Tulfo’s leadership in the upcoming probe.
Baligod argued that Tulfo should voluntarily step down from the panel since both he and former Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III were specifically named in the group’s allegations.
Both Tulfo and Sotto have vehemently denied the accusations and rejected any involvement in the alleged scheme.