Metro Manila, Philippines – The National Unity Party (NUP) will unlikely support the impeachment proceedings filed against Vice President Sara Duterte unless new evidence emerges.
The House’s second-largest political party said on Wednesday, Feb. 25, that it has “not seen inclusion of new and material evidence” in relation to the four impeachment cases.
The party said that only “compelling new evidence” will make them vote in favor of the measure, adding that the contents of the complaints have already been discussed by lawmakers and were deliberated during previous public hearings.
“Unless compelling new evidence emerges during the course of these hearings that fundamentally alters the factual basis for the impeachment complaint, the NUP will most likely not vote in favor of this measure.”
The party suggested that Congress instead focus on other national issues that address “economic stability, public safety, and the daily welfare of Filipinos.”
“The NUP believes that Congress must carefully allocate its time, focus, and institutional resources toward more pressing and urgent national concerns.”
The NUP assured that it is prepared to assess new evidence should any arise.
“Nevertheless, the Party remains open to evaluating any new evidence that may arise and will assess such developments on their merits, guided solely by the Constitution and the rule of law.”
