A teary-eyed ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo has now admitted that he once worked as an undocumented alien in the United States. Yet, despite this rare moment of partial honesty, he continues to dodge the most damning accusation—that he fraudulently assumed another person’s identity to obtain a U.S. passport.
Tulfo’s revelation seems designed to evoke sympathy, framing himself as just another Filipino struggling to make ends meet abroad. But this narrative is a deliberate distraction. The issue is not merely about working without proper documents; it is about deception, identity fraud, and a blatant violation of U.S. federal law.
The Real Issue: Identity Theft and Fraud
Documents circulating online—purportedly from the U.S. Embassy in Manila—allege that Tulfo assumed the identity of “Erich Sylvester Tulfo” to fraudulently acquire U.S. citizenship and a passport. He allegedly used this false identity for over two decades, only to have his passport revoked in 2022 after admitting in a signed statement that he was actually born in Tacloban City, Philippines.
Yet, instead of addressing these allegations directly, Tulfo now attempts to reframe the issue as one of mere undocumented work in the U.S. This is not just misleading—it is a calculated effort to downplay the gravity of his alleged crimes.
The Bigger Picture: Accountability in the “New Philippines”
Under U.S. law, identity theft and passport fraud are serious federal offenses. If Tulfo committed these crimes, why has he not been held accountable under Philippine law? More importantly, why is he still being positioned as a frontrunner in the 2025 senatorial race?
The Marcos administration has remained silent on the matter, reinforcing the perception that powerful allies are shielded from scrutiny while ordinary citizens face the full force of the law. This selective justice erodes public trust and raises the question: Is the “New Philippines” merely a rebranded version of the old, where influence trumps integrity?
A Test for the Filipino Voter
Tulfo’s deflection tactics highlight a recurring problem in Philippine politics—leaders who refuse to take responsibility for their actions. As the 2025 elections approach, the Filipino people must decide whether they will accept half-truths and evasions or demand full accountability from those who seek to govern.
If we continue to elect leaders who cannot even be honest about their past, how can we expect them to lead us into a better future? The choice is ours.( Tambuli Ng Bayan-Ronnie Estrada)