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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Puno cites 'firmness' of NUP solons who will defy INC on VP Duterte impeachment

Puno cites 'firmness' of NUP solons who will defy INC on VP Duterte impeachment

Published May 6, 2026 09:00 pm

At A Glance

  • House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno acknowledges Iglesia Ni Cristo's strong anti-impeachment stance.
  • He reveals that about 30 of the 55 NUP lawmakers are leaning toward voting "yes" to adopt the articles of impeachment, even though many represent districts with significant INC membership.
  • Puno says that these lawmakers' decision shows steadfastness of purpose.
Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


House Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno has cited the "firmness" of his fellow National Unity Party (NUP) members who--as a matter of personal choice--would push for the impeachment of Vice President despite pressure from a certain church.
In a virtual interview Wednesday, May 6, Puno acknowledged the Iglesia Ni Cristo's potential impact on the vote for the adoption of the articles of impeachment against the controversial Duterte.
This, as the deputy speaker also shared that around 30 out of the 55 NUP stalwarts in the House of Representatives were leaning toward supporting the move to oust the Vice President through a Senate trial.
"As you know, the [INC] has a very strong position about this matter and it continues to be there," noted Puno.
INC is perceived to be anti-impeachment, even going back to last year when the Vice President was impeached for the first time. 
"There are many districts where there is a very high percentage of voters from that church. They of course have an important voice also in their districts," he said of the members of the influential Christian denomination.
"Of the more than 30 that are already voting 'yes' [to adopt the articles of impeachment], I would say at least half of those are going to be seriously affected in the next election, if they continue to vote 'yes'," Puno said.
The deputy speaker went on to low-key praise these particular NUP congressmen, whom he didn't identify.
"I think it's a tribute to their firmness, their steadfastness of purpose that they continue to say yes in spite of warnings from their constituents who belong to that church about what will happen if they vote that way," he further said.
Puno is the chairman of NUP, the second largest political party in the House of Representatives in terms of membership.
Vice President Duterte will become the first Philippine official in history to get impeached twice if and when at least one-third of the House--or 106 out of 318 solons--vote to adopt the articles of impeachment in plenary.

Related Tags

RONNIE PUNO Impeachment Sara Duterte Iglesia ni Cristo NUP
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