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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Defensor cites NUP stand on VP Duterte impeachment: 'Open naman sila kung hindi ako sasama'

Defensor cites NUP stand on VP Duterte impeachment: 'Open naman sila kung hindi ako sasama'

Published Feb 26, 2026 05:56 pm

At A Glance

  • National Unity Party (NUP) stalwart Iloilo 3rd district Rep. Lorenz Defensor has thanked his party for being "open" as far as its stand on Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings is concerned.
Iloilo 3rd district Rep. Lorenz Defensor (PPAB)
Iloilo 3rd district Rep. Lorenz Defensor (PPAB)


National Unity Party (NUP) stalwart Iloilo 3rd district Rep. Lorenz Defensor has thanked his party for being "open" as far as its stand on Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings is concerned.
"I am a member of NUP at nagpapasalamat ako sa partido (and I thank the party) for respecting my principles and independence on national issues," Defensor said on Thursday, Feb. 26.
He was referring to what appeared to be the NUP's party stand on the upcoming Committee on Justice hearings on the four impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Duterte this year.
"At this stage, 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," read the statement that was released on late Wednesday night, Feb. 26. It was attributed to NUP Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
"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 will not pre-empt such proceedings and remains prepared to assess any new evidence presented in the course of the deliberations," it further read.
But Defensor interpreted the statement as having some wiggle room for members like him.
"Parang open naman sila kung hindi ako sasama (They appear to be open if I don't join them)," said the senior deputy majority leader.
Asked if he was worried about possible repercussions from the party, Defensor said: "I am ready for all the consequences of my actions when it comes to national issues."
Next to the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the NUP is the biggest party in the House of Representatives in terms of membership.
The justice panel will begin hearings on Vice President Duterte's impeachment complaints on Monday, March 2.
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