Senator Raffy Tulfo has disclosed that his brother, Senator Erwin Tulfo, is preparing to file a libel complaint against several individuals who accused him of receiving cash-filled suitcases allegedly linked to a flood control fund controversy.
Speaking in a television interview on Thursday, Raffy Tulfo said the allegations were categorically denied by the senator, who considers the claims baseless and intends to pursue legal action.
“I talked to Erwin about that and dineny niya as a matter of fact sabi niya, magdedemanda raw siya kasi it’s a total lie.”
The accusations surfaced during an informal proceeding conducted by a faction of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee associated with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. Testimonies were presented by individuals identified as former soldiers Bernard Gumban and Belnard Tube.
The two witnesses claimed they participated in the delivery of suitcases allegedly containing cash and named Senator Erwin Tulfo and former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III as supposed recipients.
According to Gumban, he allegedly delivered two suitcases to Tulfo’s residence in Greenhills. Tube, meanwhile, claimed he handed over luggage to a person identified as “Mark,” whom he described as an aide of Sotto.
Sotto later refuted the claim, noting that the individual mentioned had passed away in 2015.
Raffy Tulfo argued that the accusers may not be shielded by parliamentary immunity, maintaining that the proceeding where the allegations were aired did not have legitimate authority due to ongoing leadership issues within the Senate at the time.
“‘Definitely I’ll file a libel suit,’ sabi niya, dahil hindi naman sila covered ng parliamentary immunity dahil because at that time kanina hindi naman sila legit.”
Erwin Tulfo, who currently chairs the Blue Ribbon Committee under the newly formed majority bloc, has previously questioned the credibility of the testimonies, citing inconsistencies regarding the number of suitcases allegedly delivered and the amounts purportedly involved.
He also announced that another Blue Ribbon Committee hearing is set for June 8, during which the individuals behind the allegations are expected to face further questioning as authorities seek to clarify the claims surrounding the alleged cash deliveries.