Senator Erwin T. Tulfo filed new grave oral defamation charges against lawyer Levito D. Baligod and former lawmaker Michael T. Defensor at the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday.
The 18‑page complaint‑affidavit cites statements from alleged bagmen Jeron Valderama and Bernard Gumban, who claim Tulfo received luggage containing large sums of cash linked to a flood‑control controversy.
Tulfo denied the allegations, asserting he has no flood‑control project and that his name does not appear in Department of Public Works and Highways records or related project files.
The filing notes that the June 16 press conference in Mandaluyong amplified the damage caused by the respondents’ repeated media engagements, and that Tulfo cannot remain passive in the face of what he describes as falsehoods.
Baligod responded publicly, maintaining the accusations and stating that the criminal complaint does not deter him or other officials.
Earlier, on June 8, Tulfo lodged criminal charges in Pasay Regional Trial Court against Baligod and three other alleged bagmen, including Gumban, for alleged involvement in the luggage incident as well as human and sexual trafficking. He denied all accusations.
