The confirmation of Secretary Erwin Tulfo as the chief of Department of Social Welfare and Development was put on hold by the Commission on Appointments social welfare committee on November 22, Tuesday. The deferral was put in action after concerns regarding the American citizenship issues and libel suits  raised before the Supreme Court. 

During the CA hearing, SAGIP Representative Rodante Marcoleta recalled the libel conviction Tulfo faced during his time as a journalist. Marcoleta emphasized that the libel case of the secretary is “an offense that involves moral turpitude”  that might cause the deferral of his confirmation.

“In some other cases disposed of by the Supreme Court, there were certain people who were disqualified from holding positions because they have been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude," the SAGIP Representative said.

Tulfo revealed that he was convicted on four counts of libel. 

"That case is related to my profession as a journalist. Four counts of libel that I was convicted by the same individual,” Tulfo explained.

With regards to the citizenship issues, one of the panelists askes the secretary regarding his enlistment in the United States Army from 1988 to 1992 but Tulfo however did not make any comment on the question and requested a private session to answer the issues.

The confirmation as DSWD secretary of Erwin Tulfo was deferred due to several concerns raised. 

“Due to some concerns of the members as raised by Congressman  Marcoleta and the motion of Senator Imee Marcos to get further documentation and opinions from experts, I move to defer our deliberation of the nominee, Secretary Erwin Tulfo,” Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said.