Senator Robin Padilla says Senator Erwin Tulfo seems upset on his SET vote: 'Parang nagtatampo'

Senator Robin Padilla said he intends to explain to Senator Erwin Tulfo the circumstances surrounding the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) vote that reportedly upset the latter, but stressed that he cannot discuss the matter until the tribunal allows its members to speak.

Padilla made the statement on Wednesday after Tulfo expressed hurt over reports that three of his fellow senators supposedly voted against dismissing a motion for reconsideration concerning the petition seeking his removal from office over alleged citizenship issues, among other grounds.

“Gano’n ba? Wala naman dapat ikatampo siguro. Baka hindi pa lang niya alam kung ano ‘yung totoo,” Padilla said in an ambush interview.

Asked whether he had spoken to Tulfo, Padilla said he had tried to approach him earlier but believed the senator was still upset.

“Hindi pa, nilalapitan ko kanina. Pero parang nagtatampo pa,” Padilla said.

He said he would talk to Tulfo to clarify the circumstances surrounding the vote, adding that the senator needed to know the truth.

“Syempre. Ang kailangan lang doon, malaman niya kung ano yung totoo,” Padilla said.

However, Padilla declined to confirm whether he voted against the motion, citing the confidentiality of SET proceedings.

“Siyempre, pag tayo ibinigyan na ng SET ng pahintulot na magsalita, magsasalita tayo. Kasi ang SET kasi, tandaan ninyo, confidential yan. Hindi yan isang bagay na pwede mong magsasatsat dito. Hindi pwede,” he said.

When pressed to confirm whether he had voted against dismissing the petition, he reiterated that he could not discuss the matter until the tribunal gave its clearance

Padilla maintained that Tulfo’s hurt feelings could stem from his not yet knowing the circumstances behind the reported vote.

“Sasama ang loob niya kung hindi pa niya alam yung totoo,” Padilla said, expressing confidence that the situation would be resolved once Tulfo learned the full story.

“Ah, siyempre naman. Ganun talaga. Lahat naman ng tao 'pag ganun yung dumating sa'yong balita sasama ang loob mo,” he added.

Tulfo had earlier said he was hurt by reports that three senators supposedly voted against dismissing the motion, believing he had good relationships with two of those allegedly involved.

He also posted a cartoon on his official Facebook page depicting three individuals preparing to stab him in the back. The arms holding the knives bore the names of Padilla, Senator Camille Villar and Senator Pia Cayetano.

The SET is composed of three Supreme Court justices and six senators. Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Bam Aquino and Lito Lapid represent the majority bloc, while Cayetano, Padilla and Villar represent the minority.