Sen. Erwin Tulfo files grave oral defamation complaints against former lawmaker Mike Defensor, lawyer Levito/Levi Baligod, and several others connected to allegations about his involvement in a flood control scandal. Multiple outlets report that Tulfo filed the complaints on Wednesday, personally lodging them at the Mandaluyong Prosecutor’s Office. The complaints are filed under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, according to the reports.
The respondents named across the outlets include Defensor and Baligod, along with individuals described as former “ex-bodyguards” or “ex-Marines” of former party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, identified in one report as Jeron Valderama and Bernard Gumban. One report also includes additional named respondents: incumbent Quezon City Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica and lawyer Virgilio Garcia, who are said to have been involved in linking Tulfo to the alleged flood control fund scam.
The cases relate to Tulfo’s claim that statements or accusations made by the respondents implicate him in the controversy. The reports do not indicate the outcome of the complaints or whether any respondents have issued responses to the allegations.
