Three lawmakers representing the city of Manila officially switched their political allegiance to the National Unity Party (NUP) on Tuesday, bolstering the party’s numbers just days before a crucial congressional vote.
Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua confirmed that he, alongside 1st District Representative Ernix Dionisio and 5th District Representative Irwin Tieng, took their oaths as the newest members of the NUP. The trio previously belonged to the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).
With their transfer, they join fellow Manila Representatives Benny Abante of the 6th District and Rolando Valeriano of the 2nd District, who are already stalwarts of the organization.
Chaired by Antipolo City 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno, the NUP has expanded its roster to more than 50 members, cementing its position as one of the most dominant political factions in the House of Representatives.
This major political realignment unfolds just a few days before lawmakers cast their votes on the pending impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
To successfully impeach the Vice President and forward the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial, the endorsement of at least one-third of the entire chamber—amounting to 106 out of the 318 sitting representatives—is required.
Following the defection, records indicate that Lakas-CMD maintains a force of 71 members, while the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP)—led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—holds more than 50 seats.
Despite the shift in membership, Lakas-CMD, NUP, and PFP all remain key pillars of the administration’s overarching governing coalition.