The allegations surrounding ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Teshiba Tulfo—purportedly obtaining U.S. citizenship and a passport under a false identity—strike at the core of two pivotal issues in the Philippines today: integrity in public office and the enforcement of the rule of law under the Marcos administration.

The controversy, fueled by documents allegedly from the U.S. Embassy in Manila, paints a damning picture. If true, Tulfo—a high-profile political figure and media personality—would have engaged in a 20-year deception, using the identity of "Erich Sylvester Tulfo" to secure and maintain a U.S. passport.

The accusation includes his voluntary admission in 2022 that he fraudulently obtained a U.S. birth certificate. This led to the revocation of his U.S. passport, casting a long shadow over his senatorial ambitions for 2025, despite his consistent ranking as a top-preferred candidate in surveys.

The Bigger Picture: What Does This Say About Philippine Governance?
This scandal raises critical questions about the state of governance and accountability in the so-called “New Philippines” under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Despite Tulfo's denials and attempts to distance himself from the allegations, the fact remains: the system appears to favor power and influence over accountability and justice.

For instance, Tulfo’s disqualification as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 2022, based on his U.S. citizenship and libel convictions, was a rare moment of institutional pushback. However, his continued political prominence and likely senatorial victory suggest a disconnect between the standards of governance and public perception.

Rule of Law or Rule of the Powerful?
The Marcos administration has promised a “New Philippines” defined by modernization, infrastructure, and economic reform. Yet, the handling of high-profile controversies such as Tulfo’s—and others involving figures close to the administration—raises doubts about its commitment to the rule of law.

The silence of the administration on the Tulfo case is deafening. It mirrors a broader pattern of selective accountability, where political allies are shielded from scrutiny while critics face swift and decisive actions. This selective application undermines public trust and reinforces the perception that the Philippines is governed by a “rule of the powerful” rather than the rule of law.

What’s at Stake in 2025?
Tulfo’s senatorial bid encapsulates the tension between public popularity and ethical governance. His ability to weather this storm may signal to other politicians that integrity and legal compliance are secondary to public relations and political machinery.

If the Philippines is to truly transition into a “New Philippines,” it must ensure that no one—regardless of their influence or popularity—is above the law. Whether the allegations against Tulfo hold water is for the courts to decide. But the very existence of these claims, and the lack of urgency in addressing them, is a litmus test for the Marcos administration’s vision of justice and accountability.

The Filipino people deserve leaders who uphold the law, not circumvent it. As 2025 approaches, voters must ask themselves: Can we afford another six years of compromised leadership, or is it time to demand a higher standard of integrity from those who seek to govern? The answer lies not in Tulfo’s denials or the administration’s silence, but in the collective will of the electorate

(Tambuli Ng Bayan-Ronnie Estrada)