Senator Erwin Tulfo on Thursday warned that government officials who attach their names to state-funded aid or interfere in its distribution may face suspension or removal from office under his proposed “anti-epal” legislation.
“Bakit mo ilalagay ang pangalan mo hindi mo naman pera yun?” Tulfo said during the “Kapihan sa Senado” media forum.
“Suspendihin ka muna habang imbestigahan ka para to stop this once and for all. Paulit-ulit na. Ilang taon na ito,” he added.
The penalties are outlined in Senate Bill No. 1445, which seeks to institutionalize a ban on politicians’ participation in distributing government financial assistance—a restriction currently embedded in the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
Tulfo said the measure aims to end the long-standing practice of officials claiming credit for public funds.
“Dapat talaga matapos tayo doon, di mo naman pera yan bakit mo aangkinin. Ikaw pa mamimigay, ikaw pa mag aabot… na hindi mo naman pera yun,” he said.
Tulfo also admitted signing the national budget “with a heavy heart,” expressing concern over unprogrammed funds, which are released only under certain conditions.
“Ganun pa man, may agam-agam ako dun sa mga unprogrammed. Pumirma nga ako, pero with heavy heart. Dahil ang tanong natin, bakit kailangan ba natin lagay sa mga unprogrammed?” he said.
“Parang may magic magic. Yun ang kaba ng mga tao. Baka maulit muli na ganoon na mangyayari,” he added.