Metro Manila, Philippines – The National Unity Party (NUP), the second biggest political party at the House of Representatives, said it will adopt a conscience vote on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, while reaffirming support for the Marcos administration.
In a statement on Tuesday, May 5, NUP chairman and Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno said “on a matter as serious as impeachment, every member must be guided by their own judgment, their conscience, and the interests of the people they represent.”
On May 4, the House justice committee unanimously agreed to endorse the committee report and resolution setting forth the articles of impeachment against Duterte to plenary. The Constitution requires one third votes – in this case, 106 lawmakers – to impeach the vice president and transmit the case to the Senate for trial.
Puno said the party believes impeachment is a constitutional process and not a partisan exercise.
He also noted that party support for the administration “remains steady.”
Puno, however, cautioned against punitive measures against lawmakers who will vote “according to their judgment,” saying the “party will act collectively and respond in a manner it deems appropriate.”
In February, the NUP issued a statement saying it won’t support the Duterte impeachment unless new evidence is presented.
No party influence
In an interview with reporters, Manila 3rd district Rep. Joel Chua, a new member of the NUP, said the party will not impose a position on impeachment.
Chua confirmed on Tuesday, May 5, that he has allied himself with the NUP from Lakas Christian-Muslim Democrats, with fellow Manila representatives due to local politics.
“I don’t think namimilit sila. They respect each other’s opinion. Kagaya ko, [just like me] I will not change my stand,” said Chua, one of the 55 lawmakers who voted to send the articles of impeachment against Duterte to the plenary.
He added that reaching the 215 votes during Duterte’s impeachment in 2025 is possible given the evidence.
A number of lawmakers earlier expressed confidence that the complaints would muster the required votes for the case to reach trial. But some members have disclosed their opposition to the impeachment move, ahead of the plenary debates.
House justice committee chairperson Jinky Luistro first told NewsWatch Plus that the plenary may decide on the ouster bid as early as May 11.
Duterte is facing complaints for culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and high crimes, among others over allegations of fund misuse, unexplained wealth, and threats to the presidential family.
