Erwin Tulfo: Functions as lawmaker limited pending resolution of disqualification case
Former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo said Wednesday his functions as ACT-CIS party-list representative will be limited pending the resolution of the disqualification case filed against him with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Tulfo made the disclosure a day after he took his oath as ACT-CIS party-list lawmaker before House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe of Zamboanga city.
“Last night’s oathtaking is my assumption as third nominee of ACT-CIS party-list. There is an MR (motion for reconsideration) before the Comelec right now, so that has to be resolved [before I can fully assume my post],” Tulfo told reporters in his House office when asked if his taking oath would mean he can already assume his post.
“I was informed by the House leadership yesterday that yes, I assumed as the third member (nominee) of ACT-CIS; yes, [that] I am a member of Congress but there will be limitations. I was informed by the Secretary General and Majority Leader Dalipe that I cannot vote [on measures] at this time, that I cannot attend session and committee hearings,” Tulfo added.
The Comelec earlier junked a disqualification case against Tulfo for lack of jurisdiction since it was filed long after ACT-CIS was proclaimed one of the winners in the party-list race.
The complainant, however, has asked the Comelec en banc to reconsider its decision. The Comelec en banc has yet to resolve the case.
Tulfo, however, expressed confidence that the Comelec will decide in his favor.
“Today is the last day of the session, so we will be back on the 24th of July. Hopefully, the MR will be resolved [by then],” Tulfo said.
“The Comelec promised that they will resolve it in two to three weeks, so before SONA, it will be resolved,” Tulfo added.
SONA is the State of the Nation Address to be delivered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Tulfo’s appointment as DSWD Secretary was bypassed by the bicameral Commission on Appointments amid issues surrounding his citizenship, libel conviction, among others. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
This article Erwin Tulfo: Functions as lawmaker limited pending resolution of disqualification case was originally published in GMA News Online.
