The National Unity Party (NUP), the second largest bloc in the House of Representatives, said it is unlikely to support the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte unless compelling new evidence surfaces during deliberations.
In a statement released Wednesday, the party underscored the gravity of impeachment proceedings, describing them as a constitutional mechanism that must not be used for political ends.
“Impeachment is one of the most important constitutional powers entrusted to Congress,” the party stated.
“It is not a political instrument nor a forum for revisiting matters already exhaustively examined. Rather, it is a solemn constitutional mechanism for enforcing accountability at the highest levels of public office, and should be evaluated carefully in light of the evidence presented.”
With around 40 members in the 316-member House, the NUP noted that at least one-third of lawmakers must vote to transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial.
The party said it has yet to see new or material evidence that would justify advancing the complaint beyond issues already discussed in prior hearings.
“At present, the NUP has not seen the inclusion of new and material evidence that would warrant a departure from issues that have already been the subject of prior inquiries and extensive public hearings,” the statement read.
“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.”
Still, the party said it remains open to reviewing any fresh developments, stressing that its position would be guided by constitutional principles and the rule of law.
The NUP also expressed confidence that the House Committee on Justice would handle the four impeachment complaints against Duterte “responsibly, judiciously, and in accordance with constitutional standards.”
At the same time, the bloc urged lawmakers to focus on pressing national concerns, warning that impeachment proceedings could divert time and resources from issues affecting economic stability, public safety, and the welfare of Filipinos.