Cebu 5th District Representative Duke Frasco is serving his third term in Congress as an independent member of the House of Representatives, a move he says is rooted in principle and a commitment to restoring public trust as the 20th Congress opens.

Frasco emphasized that his independence does not diminish his strong support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s legislative priorities, underscoring the need for urgency and purpose in passing measures that address national development goals.

The lawmaker noted that his stance was marked by his abstention from the recent speakership vote for Representative Martin Romualdez.

“I have abstained from voting for Representative Martin Romualdez as Speaker, as I declare my position as an independent member of the House of Representatives,” Frasco said.

“This decision is grounded not in political convenience, but in principle and in my view of what the institution urgently needs: leadership that restores public trust, upholds the integrity of Congress, and reinforces the President’s priorities with urgency and purpose,” he added.

Citing growing public dissatisfaction with excessive political maneuvering, Frasco vowed to pursue a legislative agenda focused on transparency, accountability, and reforms that directly improve the lives of Filipinos.

He vowed to pursue meaningful reforms and measures aligned with national development goals while working across party lines.

“My independence reflects a commitment to meaningful, results-driven work that strengthens our institutions and serves the common good. Nation-building demands discipline, purpose, and the courage to make necessary choices for the Filipino people.”

The third-term Congressman said that there is a need for a more genuine public service amid growing discontent and calls for less politicking in the House.

“My focus is on real progress, stronger institutions, and restoring public trust where it matters most: in the everyday lives of the Filipino people.

Frasco enters the 20th Congress with 18 years of public service, as he secured his mandate during the recent midterm elections as Cebu 5th District Representative with a resounding 217,000 votes in his district.

The recently concluded 19th Congress was marked by his election as Deputy Speaker, where he authored and sponsored pivotal measures that directly address the needs of his constituents in Cebu province and the greater Philippines.

Throughout his congressional career, Frasco has pushed for expanded access to public higher education and spearheaded healthcare projects, including the Liloan Children’s Hospital and major improvements to district hospitals.

Frasco, who holds degrees in Finance and Accounting from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, brings with him professional experience as an internal auditor for a multinational corporation.