Senator Erwin Tulfo sues accusers anew

SENATOR Erwin Tulfo has filed defamation charges against several personalities involved in the June 16 press conference of the former security aides of former House Appropriations Committee chair, Zaldy Co, where his name was mentioned several times.

Named respondents in his complaint filed at the Mandaluyong Prosecutor’s Office last July 8, are: former Congressman Mike Defensor, Quezon City councilor Ranulfo ‘Tatay Rannie Ludovica, Atty. Levi Baligod, former Armed Forces general Virgilio Garcia, Jeron Valderama and Bernard Gumban, two former aides of Co.

The complaint is for violation of Article 358 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

Baligod is the lawyer of Gumban and Valderama, as well as the 16 others so-called ‘Brave 18.’

In his affidavit, Tulfo complained that the June 16 event held at a venue in Mandaluyong City turned out to be a ‘press conference’ organized by the respondents.

This is contrary to the initial public announcement that it would be an investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the multi-billion flood control scandal to be purportedly chaired by Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

Marcoleta, at the time, is a member of the Senate majority bloc headed by Senator Alan Cayetano and subcommittee chair of the SBRC headed by Senator Pia Cayetano.

The event focused on the testimonies of the former aides of Co on their alleged knowledge about the flood control scandal and their participation in the delivery of suitcases of money to beneficiaries.

Tulfo averred the mention of his name, specifically by Gumban and Valderama, ascribing to him the “serious crime of corruption,” tend to “dishonor, discredit and place (him) in contempt as a public servant and a family man.”

He added he was compelled to file the complaint as he cannot disregard the trust and confidence given to him by the millions of Filipinos who voted for him during the last election where he garnered the fourth spot in a field of 66 candidates.

Gumban as well others present during the June 4 SBRC meeting at the Senate are also the subject of separate complaint for oral defamation filed by Tulfo.