Erwin Tulfo Admits Being Undocumented Worker in US

Congressman Erwin Tulfo: Reflecting on His Undocumented Past in the U.S.

MANILA, philippines – Philippine Congressman Erwin Tulfo (ACT-CIS Partylist) recently addressed allegations regarding his US citizenship and passport on his radio program “Punto Asintado Reload.” In a candid 40-minute segment, he opened up about his experience as an undocumented immigrant in the United States, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the choices he made.

A Tough Decision

Tulfo, who is campaigning for a senate seat in the 2025 midterm elections, explained that his decision to become an undocumented migrant stemmed from a profound desire to provide for his family. He recounted his decade-long struggle navigating life as a “TNT” (a Filipino term for “tago nang tago,” meaning “always hiding”), working blue-collar jobs while avoiding immigration authorities.

“I am not ashamed of it, but I won’t brag about it either,” Tulfo saeid in a mix of English and Filipino. “why? Because what I used to feed my children wasn’t stolen, nor did I scam anyone.”

The Reality of Undocumented Life

Tulfo revealed that during his time in the US, undocumented workers often resorted to purchasing forged documents, including driver’s licenses and birth certificates, to secure employment.

“There were places where you could buy a driver’s license, social security, birth certificate… and you’d do everything you could to find work,” he explained.

He detailed his journey to the US in 1986 on a tourist visa, which he ultimately overstayed to work.

Tulfo onUS Citizenship and passport Controversy

While acknowledging his undocumented status, Tulfo stopped short of directly addressing allegations of document falsification. “That’s the only mistake that I did. I became a TNT. that’s true. I’m not ashamed that I was once an undocumented alien… as I had no papers,” he stated.

From Undocumented Immigrant to Policymaker: Tulfo’s Outlook

Tulfo’s experience as an undocumented immigrant has clearly shaped his perspective on issues affecting Overseas filipino Workers (OFWs). He often emphasizes that he “walked in their shoes,” suggesting

that his personal history informs his policy positions. However, Tulfo hasn’t explicitly outlined how his past informs specific policy stances related to OFWs.

His candidness about his past has sparked public discourse about immigration, opportunity, and the challenges faced by Filipinos seeking a better life abroad.

Senator Erwin Tulfo: Navigating Citizenship Controversies

Senator Erwin Tulfo, a prominent figure in recent senatorial preference surveys, has found himself embroiled in controversy regarding his US citizenship and passport. these challenges have cast a shadow over his burgeoning political career.

A Checkered Past: From Cart Pusher to Media Mogul

Tulfo’s journey to the Philippines Senate is a testament to his resilience. He began his working life holding a variety of jobs, taking on everything from supermarket cart pusher to dishwasher, bagger, and stockroom clerk. His experiences expanded further to encompass roles as a caregiver, warehouse worker, janitor, security guard, mechanic’s assistant, and even a driver for the US Army.

Driven by the fear of deportation, Tulfo frequently changed jobs to avoid scrutiny by US immigration authorities.After successfully bringing his children to the US for their education, he returned to the Philippines, reigniting his media career before entering the political arena.

Citizenship Concerns resurface

Questions surrounding Tulfo’s citizenship resurfaced during his brief stint as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in 2022. The Commission on Appointments (CA) declined to confirm his appointment,citing unresolved citizenship issues and a 2008 libel conviction. Tulfo himself admitted during a post-hearing interview that he had been an American citizen in the late 1980s.

Adding to the complexities, a disqualification case was filed against him, further hindering his political aspirations.

Addressing the Controversy: Tulfo’s Defense

In March 2023, a petition sought to disqualify Tulfo as a nominee for the ACT-CIS Partylist, alleging irregularities. Although the Commission on Elections (Comelec) dismissed the petition due to a missed filing deadline, the controversy continued to swirl.

Explanations and Denials

Tulfo presented a detailed description to the comelec’s Second Division. He clarified that his US passport bore the name “Erich Sylvester Tulfo” and a different birthday due to documents processed during his US military enlistment. He stated that he was “recruited” by an American citizen and was unaware of the exact procedures involved in document processing.

“I had no idea how the requirements had to be processed and who were the people who processed it for me,” he said.

Maintaining his innocence,Tulfo insists that he has not violated any laws.

Online Scrutiny Intensifies

Despite Tulfo’s statements, online discussions regarding his citizenship status intensified, fueled by photos circulating of a letter from the US Embassy informing him of his passport revocation in October 2022. the revocation reportedly stemmed from…

Rep. Erwin Tulfo: From Undocumented Immigrant to Policymaker, A Story of Resilience

Facing Past Allegations with Openness

Rep. Erwin Tulfo,a prominent figure in Philippine politics,recently found himself at the center of controversy surrounding allegations about his immigration history in the United States. Photos circulated online purportedly showing Tulfo acknowledging receipt of a letter from US authorities concerning alleged fraudulent acquisition of a birth certificate. While Tulfo maintains his innocence and insists he has not broken any laws, he has chosen to address these allegations directly, offering a candid look into his past.

“Walking in Their Shoes”: Tulfo’s Undocumented Journey

In a recent interview, Tulfo revealed his experience as an undocumented immigrant in the US, a chapter he refers to as “walking in the shoes” of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Arriving in the US on a tourist visa in 1986, he faced a difficult choice when it expired: return to the Philippines empty-handed or stay and work to support his family. He chose the latter, embarking on a journey fraught with challenges.

The “TNT” Life: Struggles and Resilience

Tulfo described his time as an undocumented immigrant, using the Filipino term “TNT” (tago nang tago), which translates to “hiding all the time.” It was a life characterized by constant fear and uncertainty, knowing that every day could bring an encounter with immigration authorities. He took on multiple blue-collar jobs, working tirelessly to make ends meet.

Facing the Difficult Choice: Forged Documents and Survival

Acknowledging the harsh realities faced by undocumented workers, Tulfo admitted to being aware of the common practice of obtaining forged documents to secure employment. While he did not explicitly confirm using such documents himself, he referred to well-known “places” within the community where such documents were readily available. He emphasized that this was frequently enough viewed as a necessary survival mechanism.

Tulfo’s story sheds light on the complex realities faced by undocumented immigrants, highlighting the desperate measures they sometimes resort to in their pursuit of a better life. His willingness to openly share his experience adds a personal dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and the challenges faced by OFWs.

From Struggles to Service: Rep. Erwin Tulfo’s Journey to Public Office

Congressman Erwin Tulfo’s path to public service is one paved with personal experience and a deep commitment to uplifting the marginalized.while he chooses to keep the specifics private, Tulfo candidly acknowledges a past marked by challenges, stating, “Everything I did was to earn an honest living, even if the circumstances were far from ideal.”

Advocating for Overseas Filipino Workers

Tulfo’s story resonates with many Filipinos, notably Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who face similar hardships.As he explains, “My experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by overseas Filipino workers and their families.” This understanding fuels his passion for advocating for policies that protect OFWs’ rights and improve their quality of life.

From championing better labor protections and access to healthcare to supporting undocumented workers seeking legal pathways, Tulfo leverages his own journey to fight for meaningful change. “I’ve walked in their shoes,” he emphasizes, “and I know how hard it is indeed.”

Addressing Critics and Looking Forward

Some critics have questioned Tulfo’s credibility as a senatorial candidate given his undocumented past. Tulfo acknowledges their concerns but views his experiences as a testament to his resilience and determination. “I’m not proud of the mistakes I made, but I’m not ashamed of them either,” he shares. “They’ve shaped who I am today—a public servant who is committed to fighting for the marginalized and underserved.”

Tulfo points to his Congressional record as evidence of his commitment to serving his constituents. Looking ahead, he urges Filipinos facing adversity, whether abroad or at home, to “never give up. Life will throw countless challenges your way, but your resilience and determination will see you through.”

He assures those who feel forgotten or marginalized that “there are people fighting for you. I am one of them,and I will continue to be your voice in government.”

A Voice for the People

As Congressman Tulfo navigates his Senate campaign, his story reminds us that even the most challenging experiences can shape individuals into powerful advocates for change. His journey serves as an inspiration to Filipinos who strive for a better future, both at home and abroad.

---

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. For more updates on Rep. Erwin Tulfo’s campaign and other news, visit Archyde.com.

What where the specific risks congressman Tulfo was aware of when he chose to overstay his tourist visa in 1986?

Interview with Congressman Erwin tulfo: reflecting on his Undocumented Past in the U.S.

Archyde News Editor: Good afternoon,Congressman Tulfo. Thank you for joining us today. Your recent revelations about your time as an undocumented immigrant in the united States have sparked significant public interest. Let’s start with your decision to overstay your tourist visa in 1986. What was going through your mind at the time?

Congressman Erwin Tulfo: Thank you for having me. it was a very challenging decision, but it came down to survival. I had a family to support, and returning to the Philippines without any means to provide for them wasn’t an option. I knew the risks—being undocumented meant living in constant fear of deportation—but I also knew that staying in the U.S. would give me a chance to work and send money back home. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was necessary.

Archyde News Editor: You’ve spoken about the challenges of being a “TNT” or “tago nang tago.” Can you describe what that life was like?

Congressman Erwin Tulfo: It was a life of constant vigilance. Every day, you’re looking over your shoulder, afraid that immigration authorities might catch you. You take whatever jobs you can find—dishwashing, cleaning, manual labor—and you work long hours for low pay. You live in cramped spaces with other undocumented workers, always trying to stay under the radar. It’s a life of sacrifice,but you do it as you have no other choice.

Archyde News Editor: You’ve mentioned that undocumented workers often resorted to purchasing forged documents to secure employment. did you ever find yourself in that position?

Congressman erwin Tulfo: I won’t deny that it was a common practice. there were places where you could get fake driver’s licenses, social security numbers, or even birth certificates.It was a way to survive, to put food on the table. I’m not proud of it, but I understand why people did it. For me, the priority was always to work honestly and provide for my family.

Archyde News Editor: Your past has come under scrutiny, notably allegations about your U.S. citizenship and passport. How do you respond to these claims?

Congressman Erwin Tulfo: I’ve always been clear about my past. Yes, I was an undocumented immigrant, and I’ve never hidden that fact. As for the allegations about my citizenship and passport,I’ve explained that there were misunderstandings and errors in the documents processed during my time in the U.S. I didn’t fully understand the procedures, and I relied on others to handle the paperwork. But I’ve never intentionally broken any laws.

Archyde News Editor: Your experience as an undocumented immigrant has clearly shaped your perspective on issues affecting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). How does your past inform your policy positions today?

Congressman Erwin Tulfo: I’ve walked in their shoes. I know what it’s like to leave your family behind,to work in a foreign country under difficult conditions,and to face discrimination and exploitation.That’s why I’m committed to advocating for policies that protect OFWs—better working conditions, fair wages, and stronger legal protections. My past gives me a unique understanding of their struggles, and I want to use my position to make a difference.

Archyde News Editor: Some critics argue that your past undermines your credibility as a policymaker. How do you address those concerns?

Congressman Erwin Tulfo: I understand where they’re coming from, but I beleive my past is a source of strength, not weakness. It’s a testament to my resilience and determination. I’ve faced challenges, but I’ve also learned from them. My experiences have given me a deeper understanding of the issues facing ordinary Filipinos, and I’m committed to using that knowledge to serve them better.

Archyde News Editor: what message do you have for Filipinos who are currently in similar situations—undocumented workers struggling to make ends meet?

Congressman Erwin Tulfo: To my fellow filipinos who are facing similar challenges, I want you to know that you’re not alone. It’s a difficult journey, but don’t lose hope. Keep working hard, stay true to your values, and never forget why you’re doing it—for your family, for a better future. And to those who have the power to make a difference, I urge you to show compassion and understanding.These are people who are simply trying to survive and provide for their loved ones.

Archyde News Editor: Thank you, Congressman Tulfo, for sharing your story with us today. Your journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the Filipino spirit.

Congressman Erwin Tulfo: Thank you. It’s been a privilege to share my story, and I hope it inspires others to keep fighting for a better life.

—

this interview was conducted by Archyde News Editor on [date]. For more updates on Congressman Erwin Tulfo’s campaign and policy initiatives,visit our website.