NUP Demands Stronger Impeachment Evidence Against VP Sara Duterte
The National Unity Party (NUP) has issued a formal call to the House of Representatives, urging them to submit a more robust and substantiated impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Senate. This demand comes with a clear stipulation that the case must be fortified with new and compelling evidence to ensure its viability and credibility.
Emphasis on Credible Evidence
According to NUP Chairman and House Deputy Speaker Rep. Ronaldo Puno, the impeachment process is a serious constitutional procedure that must be grounded in clear, convincing, and irrefutable evidence. Puno emphasized that the NUP will not lend its support to any impeachment case that appears weak or lacks solid evidentiary backing. The primary concern is to prevent the case from being dismissed in the Senate, which could potentially undermine the credibility and integrity of the entire impeachment process.
Unwavering Party Position
Rep. Puno further clarified that the NUP's position on the impeachment has remained consistent and unchanged. The party continues to closely monitor the ongoing hearings and proceedings related to the case. There is a strong expectation from the NUP that the Committee on Justice will unveil stronger evidence or possibly a smoking gun before the case is formally transmitted to the Senate for trial.
Historical Context and Legal Precedents
The NUP, along with the Lakas-CMD party, were the principal proponents of the impeachment efforts during the previous 19th Congress. However, in a significant legal development in 2025, the Supreme Court declared the impeachment case unconstitutional due to technicalities. This ruling has added a layer of complexity to the current proceedings. It is also noteworthy that the justice panel had previously declared two impeachment complaints against the Vice President as sufficient in form and substance, highlighting the ongoing legal and political scrutiny.
The NUP's call underscores the critical importance of building a legally sound and evidence-based case to navigate the intricate impeachment process and uphold democratic accountability.
