NUP expels Rep. Frasco
Despite Frasco’s defiance, a strong majority — 285 representatives — have declared their support for Romualdez’s leadership.
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Daily TribuneDespite Frasco’s defiance, a strong majority — 285 representatives — have declared their support for Romualdez’s leadership.
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Photograph courtesy of Duke fraSco/fb
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 expulsion deepened the growing tension within the ruling coalition as lawmakers position themselves for the unfolding battle for the House speakership.
NUP president and Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte announced Frasco’s ouster on Saturday, condemning the latter’s action as a blatant betrayal of the party’s unanimous stance to support Romualdez.
“Duke’s unilateral withdrawal of support from Speaker Romualdez runs counter to our official position and makes his continued membership untenable,” Villafuerte said.
He criticized Frasco for bypassing the party leadership and going public with his dissent, calling the act a breach of NUP’s policy of having all members speak and act in unison.
Frasco confirmed on Saturday that he did not sign the manifesto of support for Romualdez but did not give a reason, promising to do so “in the coming days.”
His refusal, first reported by the DAILY TRIBUNE on Friday, signaled a rare crack in the united front of the ruling coalition and underscored the widening rift between Romualdez and some lawmakers from the Visayas, including Frasco.
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 said that despite Frasco’s defiance, a strong majority—285 representatives—have declared their support for Romualdez’s leadership.
Frasco’s defiance exposed 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 hinder Romualdez’s path to an uncontested speakership, potentially sparking a contested leadership election that would reshape the House’s power balance.
