Erwin Tulfo Draws the Line and Challenges Alan Peter Cayetano Over Blue Ribbon Hearing
ALAN PETER CAYETANO – Political tensions escalated after Senator Erwin Tulfo threatened drastic action if Alan Peter Cayetano pushes through with another Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
Senator Erwin Tulfo has issued a strong warning to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, saying he will personally remove the former Senate president from the session hall if he conducts another Senate Blue Ribbon Committee (SBRC) hearing without authorization.
In a statement released on Friday, June 5, Tulfo stressed that he would not allow what he described as another unauthorized or “fake” hearing under the Blue Ribbon Committee. The senator made it clear that he is prepared to take firm action should a similar incident happen again.
The warning came after a hearing held on June 4, which was attended by Cayetano, his sister and fellow senator Pia Cayetano, and Senator Rodante Marcoleta. During the proceedings, resource persons, including Atty. Levito Baligod and 18 former Marines were present.
Reacting to the hearing, Tulfo expressed his frustration and declared that he would not tolerate another session conducted under the committee without proper authority.
“Hindi na po ako papayag na maghe-hearing-hearing-ngan kayo diyan at I will have you arrested,” said Tulfo.
He added, “I promise.”
Tulfo further emphasized that Cayetano should not test his resolve, regardless of the latter’s long political experience and previous leadership positions in government.
“Kahit na senador ka, kahit na sinasabi mong matanda ka na, ilang taon ka na sa Senado, try me.
“Magpa-hearing ka ng Blue Ribbon ulit. Magpa-hearing ka. I don’t care kung dati kang Senate President, dati ang Speaker of the House, I don’t give up. Talagang ipapahuli kita,” said Tulfo.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman maintained that he is the legitimate head of the committee and therefore has the authority to prevent any unauthorized hearings from taking place.
He also warned that if an arrest could not be immediately carried out, he would personally escort Cayetano off the Senate floor.
“Kung hindi ipapahuli… bibitbitin kita, kukuwelyuhan kita, palalayasin kita sa floor na ‘yan. Because I am the legitimate Blue Ribbon chairman,” said Tulfo.
The exchange highlights the growing tension surrounding the leadership and authority of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, with both sides standing firm on their respective positions regarding the conduct of committee hearings.