Tulfo backs Escudero for Senate president: 'If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it'

Senator Raffy Tulfo reaffirmed his support for Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to retain his post in the upcoming 20th Congress, citing shared work ethics and a smooth working relationship as key reasons behind his decision.

“Yes. I’m for Chiz,” Tulfo told reporters in a press conference at the Senate on Tuesday.

Tulfo explained that while he has not worked with Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who is being floated by some of his colleagues as a contender for Senate presidency, his support for Escudero is based on familiarity and tested working dynamics.

“First of all, I know Chiz.  I've worked with him for three years, and our work ethics are almost the same. He's aggressive when he has bills he wants to pass, especially the so-called priority bills,” he said. 

“Although I haven't worked with Senator Sotto, I don't know him in terms of work ethics or leadership style. Unlike Chiz, I've experienced working with him, and I didn't see any problem. As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it,” he added. 

He also acknowledged that Sotto’s allies had reached out to seek his support, but by that time, his decision was already made.

“Some tried to reach out, but it was too late. I had already made up my mind,” he said.

Erwin likely to back Chiz too

Meanwhile,  Tulfo also revealed that his younger brother, neophyte Senator Erwin Tulfo, is likely to support Escudero as well.

“Actually Erwin consulted me, sabi niya, ‘Kuya saan ba tayo?’ And then I said, ‘Ako ay kay Chiz, now it’s up to you, hindi kita pwedeng diktahan kung sinong gusto mo.’ Sabi niya, ‘Kung kay Chiz ka, sige.’ And then sinabi ko sa kanya ang dahilan at nakita niya magandang reason ang binigay ko sa kanya, kaya sumangayon siya sa’kin (Actually Erwin consulted me and asked who we will support. I told him that I will support Chiz, and it’s up to him if he will also do so, as I cannot dictate to him. I told him the reason why I will back Chiz, he found them as valid reasons and agreed),” he said. 

Raffy Tulfo stressed he has no plans to reconsider his stance ahead of the first regular session of the 20th Congress on July 28.

The so-called “veterans bloc,” composed of Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Loren Legarda, and Panfilo Lacson, is pushing for Sotto’s return as Senate president, while a separate group is solidifying support for Escudero.

Senator JV Ejercito earlier disclosed that 16 senators have already signed a resolution backing Escudero’s continued leadership—enough to secure the majority.