Senator Erwin Tulfo and former Senate President Tito Sotto have denied allegations that they received money from individuals identified as former marines, rejecting the claims as false and unfounded.
Tulfo issued his response during a phone interview with members of the Senate media, addressing accusations made by Bernard Gumban, who identified himself as a former marine.
According to Tulfo, the allegation is a “big lie.” He also argued that a review of the General Appropriations Act from 2022 to 2025 would show that he had no allocable funds during that period.
The senator said he is considering filing perjury or libel charges against the individual behind the accusation.
Tulfo further expressed his belief that there may be a conspiracy behind the allegations. He also suggested that recent surveys related to the 2028 presidential and vice presidential races could be one reason why he and his brother continue to face criticism and attacks.
Meanwhile, Sotto said he did not intend to spend additional time addressing allegations similar to those directed at Tulfo.
According to Sotto, the claims against him do not align with the timeline cited by the accusers because he was not serving as a senator from 2022 to 2025.
He also disputed allegations that an executive assistant had supposedly received money on his behalf, noting that the individual being referred to had died in 2015.
Sotto likewise advised members of the media to exercise caution when reporting such allegations and not immediately accept claims without scrutiny.
Both Tulfo and Sotto maintained that the accusations against them are without basis and firmly denied any involvement in the allegations raised by the self-identified former marine.
