Tulfos hitch their cart to Chiz

Senator Raffy Tulfo has reaffirmed his support for Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to keep his post in the 20th Congress, citing their shared work ethic and smooth working relationship as the key reasons for his decision.

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

Tulfo said that while he has not worked with Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who was being touted by some of their colleagues as a contender for the Senate presidency, his support for Escudero was based on familiarity and tested work dynamics.

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

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

He acknowledged that Sotto’s allies had reached out to him but his decision was already made.

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

Tulfo said his younger brother, neophyte Senator Erwin Tulfo, is likely to support Escudero as well.

“Actually, Erwin consulted me and asked whom we will support. I told him that I will support Chiz, and it was up to him if he would do so, as I cannot dictate to him. I told him the reason why I will back Chiz; he found them to be valid and he agreed,” he said.

Raffy Tulfo said he does not plan to reconsider his stance ahead of the first regular session of the 20th Congress on 28 July.

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 its support for Escudero.

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