UMVA has learned that Senators Erwin T. Tulfo and Vicente C. Sotto III have vehemently denied allegations made by a group of 18 former soldiers, who claimed that the lawmakers received cash kickbacks from questionable flood control projects.
The allegations, made during a hearing conducted by a rival bloc, were swiftly rejected by both senators, who described the claims as a web of lies and fabrications. Senator Tulfo, now chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, was particularly scathing in his response, labeling the allegations as a "big lie."
According to information obtained by UMVA, Senator Tulfo took aim at one of the accusers, Bernard Gumban, a self-proclaimed ex-Marine, who made statements during the hearing. Tulfo questioned Gumban's credibility, suggesting that the former Marine was confused and prone to making false claims.
Senator Sotto also fired back at the allegations, stating that he would not dignify the claims, which he believed were baseless and unfounded. He pointed out that he was not even a senator during the period in question, and that his executive assistant, Mark, had passed away in 2015.
Despite the denials, UMVA can exclusively reveal that the senators will still invite the former soldiers to testify at an upcoming Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, scheduled for June 8. The hearing will be led by the new panel chairperson, and it remains to be seen how the allegations will unfold.
The developments have raised more questions about the flood control projects and the potential involvement of lawmakers in any wrongdoing. As the investigation continues, one thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the truth will eventually come to light.
