The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said it will decide within 15 to 20 days on a petition seeking to disqualify five Tulfos from running in the 2025 midterm polls.

A petition to disqualify Rep. Erwin Tulfo, Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo, Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo, Wanda Tulfo-Teo, and Ben Tulfo from running in the May 2025 polls was filed before the Comelec on Monday.

"Hopefully, we could release a decision within 15 to 20 days after the respondents submit an answer and the Comelec division also releases one," Comelec Chairperson George Garcia told reporters.

Garcia said the case, filed by lawyer Virgilio Garcia, argued that the respondents, being members of what he deems a political dynasty, are grounds for disqualification.

Petitioner Garcia noted that the five respondents are related to incumbent Senator Raffy Tulfo "within the first or second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity."

Erwin, Ben, and Wanda are siblings, while Jocelyn and Ralph are the wife and son of Raffy.

The petitioner further pointed out that the "1987 Constitution expressly prohibits political dynasties."

In a Viber message to the DAILY TRIBUNE, Comelec Chair Garcia said the case was raffled on Tuesday to the first division, under Commissioners Aimee Ferolino, Ernesto Maceda Jr., and Ma. Norina Tangaro-Casingal.

Garcia said they will not remove their names until a final decision has been made and will remain as candidates in the meantime.

"It means if there are no final decisions on their disqualification case, their names will stay on the ballots," he added.

"And in the event that their case is not decided on time and they are elected or a proclamation has been made, there is nothing we can do but dismiss the case," he explained.

If the respondents are elected, the jurisdiction of the case will transfer to the Senate Electoral Tribunal for senators or the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal for representatives.

Garcia further stated that the poll body welcomes "these kinds of cases" ahead of the midterm polls.

"So we can at least be hopefully enlightened on these kinds of problematic issues when the presidential and vice-presidential elections come. Hopefully, these issues will be settled immediately," he added.

"And these cases also raise awareness for other government agencies to address these issues in alignment with the Constitution."