Senator Erwin Tulfo on Thursday dismissed speculation that he could form a 2028 electoral tandem with former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, saying he is weary of political attacks and controversies.
Tulfo made the statement amid discussions about potential challengers to Vice President Sara Duterte, who has already declared her intention to run for president in 2028.
Responding to a political analyst’s suggestion that a Robredo–Tulfo partnership could be a “strong” matchup, Tulfo expressed gratitude but made clear he has no plans to join any national ticket.
“Nakakataba po ng puso. Pero, I don’t have plans. Whatever it is, yung makakatalo kay… kahit sino pa man dyan. I would say, ‘Thank you.’ Pero, I’m kind of tired,” he told reporters.
Tulfo cited the wave of criticism and legal challenges he has faced in recent years, saying he is not inclined to endure another intense political battle.
“Nakita nyo naman, kaliwa’t-kanan na batikos, demanda sa COMELEC, left and right. Then papasukin ko na naman ito. Magkakaroon na naman ng issues. Ayaw na po ng family namin ng gulo,” he said, referring to his 2025 disqualification case that was later dismissed by the Commission on Elections.
He added that his brother, Senator Raffy Tulfo, is leaning toward seeking reelection in the Senate rather than pursuing higher office.
“Kaya si Sen. Raffy din, gusto niya po for re-election na lang sa Senate. Eh ako din po, napag-usapan na namin. I don’t have plans to run for higher office. Ang hirap pala,” he said.
“Kawawa yung family mo, kung ano-ano, mga bashers, etc., yung mga galit sayo, tapos may mga demanda, ang kukulit pa,” he added.
Tulfo instead suggested that other opposition figures may be better suited for a national ticket.
“I can suggest Bam Aquino, Senador Risa Hontiveros, maraming mga magagaling dyan na mga pwedeng maging vice ni VP Leni,” he said.
Still, Tulfo ended on a light note, leaving only the faintest possibility under extreme circumstances.
“Siguro pag walang wala na—wala ng tao sa mundo—ako na lang at si Madam Leni, tsaka (ako) papayag,” he said.