Sen. Erwin Tulfo files defamation complaints at the Mandaluyong Prosecutor’s Office over allegations linking him to the flood control scandal. Photo courtesy of Tulfo camp.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo on Wednesday filed another set of grave oral defamation complaints against former Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor, lawyer Levito Baligod and several others over allegations linking him to the flood control scandal.
Tulfo personally went to the Mandaluyong Prosecutor’s Office to file the complaints, which were lodged in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Also named in the complaints were Jeron Valderama and Bernard Gumban, two of the alleged former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, as well as Quezon City Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica and lawyer Virgilio Garcia.
The senator said the complaints stemmed from a June 16 gathering in Mandaluyong City that he described as a supposed Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing that turned into a press conference.
During the event, Valderama allegedly claimed that Tulfo received a suitcase of cash from flood control irregularities after supposedly meeting Co at Mario’s Restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.
Garcia also allegedly repeated claims that Tulfo received suitcases of cash at his Greenhills residence.
In his complaint affidavit, Tulfo denied the allegations and said he could not remain silent while the claims continued to damage his name, reputation and the trust of voters who elected him.
Tulfo earlier filed a separate grave oral defamation complaint against Gumban and two other alleged former bodyguards over similar claims made during a Senate Blue Ribbon hearing, where he was accused of receiving suitcases of money allegedly amounting to Php 20 million to Php 50 million and additional cash in separate deliveries.