The National Unity Party (NUP) is poised to sign a "cooperation agreement" with the Partido Reporma and the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) for the 2022 national and local elections.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed this Wednesday, September 29, after members of the media were advised about an upcoming signing ceremony for a coalition between the three political parties.
"It's going to be a mutual cooperation agreement for clean, orderly and honest elections," Sotto, chairman of the NPC, clarified to the Manila Bulletin.
"The alliance follow after due nationwide consultations," he added.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, who currently chairs the Partido Reporma, for his part, said there has yet to be a date for the signing ceremony.
The agreement might deviate from the NUP's initial plan to support the candidates of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), led by President Duterte's daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is being pushed to run for president in the 2022 elections.
The NUP also lists President Duterte's eldest son and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte as a member.
Last July, the NUP said it will renew its alliance with the HNP.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" then left the party to pursue his presidential bid.
Does this mean that the NUP would support the Lacson-Sotto tandem instead?
"The support follow," Sotto said.
"Unless we get early feedbacks from party mates earlier," the Senate President added.
Lacson and Sotto will file their candidacies for presidency and vice presidency, respectively, on October 6.