House Deputy Speaker Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco of Cebu has been expelled from the National Unity Party (NUP) after openly refusing to support Speaker Martin Romualdez’s bid to retain his leadership in the upcoming 20th Congress.

The move deepens growing tensions within the ruling coalition as lawmakers position themselves in the unfolding battle for the House speakership.

NUP President and Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte announced the expulsion on Saturday, condemning Frasco’s decision as a blatant violation of the party’s unanimous stance.

“Duke’s unilateral withdrawal of support for Speaker Romualdez runs counter to our official position and makes his continued membership untenable,” Villafuerte said. He criticized Frasco for bypassing party leadership and going public with his dissent, calling such actions a breach of NUP’s policy that all members speak and act in unison.

Frasco confirmed on Saturday that he did not sign the manifesto of support for Romualdez but has yet to elaborate on his reasons, promising to reveal them “in the coming days.”

His refusal, first reported by the DAILY TRIBUNE on Friday, signals a rare crack in the united front of the ruling coalition and underscores a widening rift between Romualdez and some lawmakers from the Visayas, including Frasco himself.

The NUP’s firm backing of Romualdez aligns with its alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), both parties rallying behind the continuity of the House leadership to push forward the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda. House spokesperson Princess Abante stressed that despite Frasco’s defiance, a strong majority — 285 representatives — have already declared support for Romualdez’s leadership.

However, Frasco’s defiance exposes the complexities behind the scenes, as influential blocs within the House jockey for power and leverage.

The battle for the speakership is not just about personalities but reflects broader political realignments after the 2025 midterm elections, where shifting loyalties and regional interests complicate coalition dynamics.

Observers note that Frasco’s move may inspire other dissenters, especially among Visayan lawmakers who feel marginalized in key leadership roles. This could challenge Romualdez’s path to an uncontested speakership, potentially sparking a contested leadership election that would reshape the House’s power balance.

The expulsion of a high-profile deputy speaker highlights the NUP’s determination to maintain discipline and cohesion, but also raises questions about the stability of the ruling coalition as the 20th Congress approaches.