Erwin Tulfo slams Congress over political dynasty law

MANILA, Philippines - Erwin Tulfo, a senatorial candidate, argued that Congress has permitted some political clans to control the country by failing to enact legislation outlawing political dynasties.

Tulfo addressed a disqualification lawsuit against him, his brother Ben, and three other family members for allegedly breaking the Philippine Constitution's anti-dynasty clause during Tuesday's Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas press conference.

Tulfo claimed that since he had not received a formal notification or subpoena from the Commission on Elections, he found out about the case from his barber.

Tulfo clarified that the Constitution's Article 2, Section 26, which forbids political dynasties, was invoked in the disqualification case.

He did, however, stress that there is no legal foundation for putting this clause into effect in the absence of an enabling law.

Tulfo emphasized that cases such as these will continue until legislation is established, saying, "There needs to be a law, but Congress hasn't acted on it yet."

He also stated that he would allow his legal team to handle the case against him and that he strongly supported a proposal to end political dynasties.

Notably, Tulfo himself comes from a political dynasty, with several members of his family occupying or aspiring to posts in the government.