Erwin Tulfo runs for senator, Koko for Marikina congressman

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial frontrunner Erwin Tulfo yesterday formalized his run by filing his certificate of candidacy for next year’s midterm elections, as well as Sen. Pia Cayetano who will be up for reelection, while Sen. Koko Pimentel III filed his COC to run as representative of the 1st District of Marikina.

Tulfo, a former broadcast journalist and incumbent ACT-CIS party-list representative, is running under the Lakas-CMD political party, and is part of the administration senatorial slate.

He was sworn in over the weekend as the newest member of the country’s most dominant political party, now comprised of 112 members in the House of Representatives, the biggest power bloc in the chamber.

“Rep. Erwin Tulfo is a tremendous asset to both our party and the nation, embodying not only seasoned public service but also courage and integrity,” Lakas-CMD president and Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

“Cong. Erwin’s track record speaks for itself, and we are honored to welcome him into Lakas-CMD. His fearless advocacy for the underprivileged and commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos make him a perfect fit for our mission of nation-building,” Romualdez said.

“Ever since, I, and my siblings, am focused on helping the poor and oppressed,” Tulfo said, referencing his brothers – media personality Ben Tulfo who is also gunning for a Senate seat as an independent candidate, and Sen. Raffy Tulfo.

On the possibility of all three Tulfo brothers becoming senators, he said it would be up to the people to decide, adding that there is currently no law against political dynasties.

“We let the people decide. The people have the power, because we don’t have the law. If we have a law, then (political dynasties) will end,” Tulfo pointed out.

If elected to the Senate, he said he is ready to support an anti-dynasty law if it’s for the benefit of the nation.

Seeking to get reelected and rejoin her brother in the Senate is administration bet Cayetano, who filed her COC yesterday.

She was accompanied to the Manila Hotel Tent for the filing by her brother, Sen. Peter Cayetano and sister-in-law and Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano.

Before filing, Cayetano, known for her