Libel conviction puts Tulfo’s confirmation in limbo

Erwin Tulfo (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointments (CA) will consult with retired justices to weigh in on the confirmation of Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo as to whether his conviction for libel is sufficient ground to disqualify him from holding the post, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Monday.

In an interview, Zubiri said the CA is exercising due process on Tulfo, even as he admitted that the libel conviction weighs heavily against his confirmation as it is tantamount to a conviction involving moral turpitude.

“The case of the DSWD secretary is a bit more complicated as we even had to invite justices to weigh in the opinion on citizenship and conviction,” Zubiri said.

“The conviction has a legal implication because the CA has never confirmed anyone with a conviction by final judgment. We will study the matter carefully, as there are legal precedents, cases decided by the Supreme Court [wherein libel conviction is conviction involving moral turpitude],” Zubiri added.