Senator Erwin Tulfo on Monday formally filed grave oral defamation complaints before the Pasay Regional Trial Court against three members of the so-called “18 maleta boys,” accusing them of fabricating damaging allegations against him.
The legal action targets Bernard Gumban, Rosebert Waupan, and Benny Bulontate. The trio allegedly claimed that Tulfo participated in transporting suitcases filled with cash as part of a corruption scheme tied to controversial flood control projects.
Additionally, the lawmaker firmly rejected separate accusations connecting him to an alleged human trafficking operation.
Tulfo explained that he decided to take the matter to court because the gravity of the accusations could no longer be ignored.
“So hindi na natin pinalagpas dahil kalokohan naman po yung mga pinagsasabi kasinungalingan na kailangan pong sagutin sa korte.”
The senator maintained that the claims are completely baseless, suggesting they are driven by political maneuvering rather than actual evidence.
He pointed to his positioning in early political surveys as the likely motive behind the attacks.
“Politics, dahil nga may nagsilabasan… eto na nga ho yung sinasabi ko noon pa… wag niyo kami isama-sama sa survey na yan, presidential… Hindi naman po kami interesado.”
The “18 maleta boys,” a group reportedly composed of former military personnel, previously claimed they served as security aides for former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co.
They alleged they were ordered to deliver large sums of cash to several high-profile officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
While the allegations have sparked significant public interest, all of the named officials have vehemently denied any involvement.