The National Unity Party (NUP) is set to hold a high-stakes meeting on May 5 to determine whether it will adopt a collective position regarding the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Manila 2nd District Representative Rolando Valeriano announced the scheduled caucus on Friday, noting that the party aims to reach a consensus before the articles of impeachment reach the House plenary for a final vote.
While the NUP is a key member of the administration coalition, Valeriano pointed out that the party has a history of allowing its members to follow their own conscience on sensitive constitutional issues.
“Pero ang experience ko sa NUP kasi pagkaganyang mga issue, pinababayaan niya ‘yung mga congressman na miyembro niya na mag-decide on their own.”
(“But in my experience with NUP, when it comes to issues like this, it lets its congressman-members decide on their own.”)
SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES AFTER PROBABLE CAUSE
The upcoming deliberation follows a unanimous vote by the House Committee on Justice on April 29, which found probable cause to move forward with the impeachment.
Valeriano observed that the NUP appeared “split” on the matter before the congressional break. However, he believes the exhaustive evidence presented during the recent hearings—including testimonies on the alleged misuse of confidential funds—may have swayed those who were previously undecided.
“Now, I do not know by May 5 — natapos na ‘yung hearing ng Committee on Justice… kung mayroong nagbagong isip sa mga congressman ng NUP.”
Previously, NUP leadership challenged the committee to produce “clear and credible proof” to justify a trial. The recent findings, which consolidated complaints involving alleged unexplained wealth and threats against high-ranking officials, will likely be the focal point of the party’s discussion.
DEFENDING THE CONSTITUTIONAL PROCESS
Despite criticisms from the Vice President’s legal team, who labeled the proceedings as a departure from “constitutional design,” Valeriano maintained that the process has been legally sound.
He credited the meticulous leadership of Committee Chairperson and Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro for adhering to the latest judicial precedents.
“At sinundan niya lang ‘yung latest Supreme Court ruling regarding sa impeachment… As far as the Congress is concerned, tingin ko naman constitutional naman ‘yung ginawa.”
(“And she just followed the latest Supreme Court ruling regarding impeachment… As far as Congress is concerned, I think what was done is constitutional.”)
The House Committee on Justice is expected to finalize its formal report on May 4, just one day before the NUP caucus, setting the stage for a critical week in the country’s political landscape.