House Deputy Speaker Cebu 5th district Rep. Vincent Franco "Duke" Frasco has confirmed his refusal to sign the manifesto of support for the continued leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez in the upcoming 20th Congress.

Frasco did so in a Facebook post Monday morning, June 9, wherein he also criticized the House of Representatives and its leadership.

"On May 14, just two days after the 2025 local elections, I was asked to sign a manifesto supporting the continued leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez in the 20th Congress. I have not signed the manifesto, and after careful reflection, I have decided not to," he wrote.

Frasco, who was expelled by the National Unity Party (NUP) following his decision, spoke of a "shared frustration" over how the call of "unity" in government hasn't been duly observed. 

"In recent weeks, I have spoken with my colleagues in Congress, local leaders - especially from the Visayas and Mindanao - and most importantly, with my own constituents. A shared frustration has emerged. There is deep disappointment that the unity our people once hoped for has been steadily undermined by political and personal interests," he said.

"The President has consistently called for unity, stability, and a government that delivers meaningful change. I firmly believe that the House of Representatives should reflect these values, not only through the laws we pass, but also in the leadership that we uphold," said the Cebuano.

Speaking further about his decision not to support Romualdez, Frasco said: This decision is not about creating further division. I simply believe the House of Representatives can, and must, do better."

"We should be a partner in building the country up, not a platform for further discord," he added.

"At this critical time in our nation, I believe we need leadership in the House that unites rather than divides. Leadership that reinforces our shared vision and strengthens the path forward for our country," he further said.

Frasco didn't mention Romualdez in his statement.