PHSenator Erwin Tulfo has filed grave oral defamation complaints against several individuals, including former congressman Mike Defensor, attorney Levito Baligod, and two alleged 'ex-bodyguards' of former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co—Jeron Valderama and Bernard Gumban—as well as current Quezon City councilor Ranulfo Ludovica and attorney Virgilio Garcia. These legal actions follow allegations made during a press conference on June 16, 2026, where Valderama claimed that Tulfo had received two large suitcases containing between PHP 40 million and PHP 50 million in cash related to a flood control scandal. The alleged handover reportedly occurred when Tulfo was still a congressman and met with Zaldy Co at Mario’s Restaurant in Quezon City. Additionally, attorney Virgilio Garcia repeated similar accusations during the same event, stating that Tulfo had received such payments at his Greenhills residence. Tulfo argues that these allegations have damaged his reputation and the trust placed in him by voters, prompting him to take legal action to protect his honor and that of his family.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the facts of the defamation complaints filed by Senator Erwin Tulfo without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the allegations made by Valderama and others, as well as Tulfo's response, without using biased language or selectively omitting information. The content remains,
