Erwin Tulfo: The First Senator to Recuse Himself Before Even Winning

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — February 9, 2025

IN A stunning display of humility, self-restraint, and Nostradamus-like foresight, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo has declined to sign the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte—not out of any political calculus, of course, but because he might serve as a judge in the Senate someday. Not today. Not tomorrow. But someday soon, when his inevitable senatorial coronation comes to pass.

Yes, in an act of self-sacrifice rivaled only by George Washington refusing a third term, Tulfo has bravely stepped back from immediate partisan brawling so that he can fully enjoy partisan brawling at a later, more prestigious stage. “I must remain impartial,” declared the congressman, who, as a former broadcaster, built a career on delivering thunderous, take-no-prisoners verdicts on national television before any trial even began.

This, of course, is no ordinary tale of a politician playing it safe. It is a Shakespearean drama of dynastic ambition. Should Erwin Tulfo ascend to the Senate alongside his brother Ben, they will join their sibling Raffy Tulfo, forming what can only be described as the Philippines’ first-ever Tulfo Tribunal, a three-person judicial dream team committed to objectivity, evidence-based decision-making, and the occasional viral outburst against public officials who dare to cross them. With this setup, the Philippine Senate may soon resemble Tulfo Brothers Live—but with more robes and marginally less shouting.

A Family That Judges Together, Stays Together

With Tulfo’s impeccable logic now established—that one must avoid signing an impeachment complaint today to remain unbiased in a future trial—one wonders what other legal and ethical innovations the Tulfo dynasty might bring to the Senate. Perhaps:

The Preemptive Acquittal Clause: Why wait for evidence? If a Tulfo brother might someday rule in someone’s favor, they should avoid signing any legal document that could prejudice future decisions. Better yet, issue blanket declarations of impartiality while quietly keeping a list of pre-approved acquittals.
The Retroactive Objectivity Doctrine: If impartiality is best preserved by not engaging with a legal matter beforehand, then why stop there? Shouldn’t Senator Raffy Tulfo recuse himself from all future Senate business on the off chance that he might someday serve on an even higher tribunal? Supreme Court? The Hague? Why limit the possibilities?
The Family Court Model: With three Tulfos in the Senate, why not make it official? Convert impeachment trials into a prime-time reality show where the accused must plead their case directly to the Tulfo panel. Special segments could include “Reklamo Mo, Impeachment Mo” and “Senate Hall Rescue: The Corruption Edition.”

A Government of Seers, By Seers, For Seers

Tulfo’s decision also raises exciting new prospects for governance by prophecy. Why limit political decision-making to elected terms when candidates can preemptively declare their future influence and adjust their actions accordingly? If Tulfo’s presumed senatorial victory is enough to justify his neutrality now, then surely other politicians should start making decisions based on what might happen in 2030.

Imagine the possibilities:

Presidential hopefuls could begin drafting inaugural speeches years in advance, ensuring they remain free from scandal before they even file their candidacy.
Future Supreme Court justices could start issuing legal opinions on cases they might one day hear.
And best of all, politicians under corruption investigations could simply declare, “I cannot comment on this matter, as I may someday serve as Ombudsman and must remain impartial.”

How to Be Impartial: A Guide for the Politically Challenged

To ensure Tulfo’s neutrality remains unblemished, here are a few modest proposals:

Ban All Future Decisions: To maintain the purest form of impartiality, Tulfo should abstain from all decisions that could affect his future role as a senator. This includes voting, speaking, and even forming opinions. He should exist in a perfect state of judicial neutrality—perhaps in a soundproof chamber until his senatorial term begins.
Legislate via Tarot Cards: If we are already governing by premonition, why not go all the way? Every major political decision should be decided by clairvoyants, astrologers, or at the very least, an AI-powered fortune teller.
Replace Impeachment Trials with ‘Senate Idol’: Since elections have essentially become personality contests, let’s be honest—why pretend that impeachment is about constitutional violations? Let the people vote for the most dramatic impeachment trial performances. The Tulfo brothers can be judges, complete with golden buzzers.

Final Thoughts

Erwin Tulfo’s noble stand is a reminder that Philippine politics is, above all, a place where logic, ethics, and self-interest collide in fascinating new ways. By boldly refusing to act today to preserve his neutrality tomorrow, he has pioneered a fresh take on political responsibility: preemptive non-accountability.

As for Vice President Sara Duterte? Well, she’ll just have to wait her turn in the Tulfo Tribunal. If the impeachment trial does reach the Senate, at least she can take comfort in knowing that justice will be served—eventually, fairly, and, most importantly, by someone who once promised to remain neutral just in case.