NUP considers shift to House minority over Dy leadership

Deputy Speaker Ronaldo “Ronnie” Puno said the National Unity Party (NUP) is considering moving to the minority bloc in the House of Representatives due to dissatisfaction with the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III.

In a press conference Monday, 16 March, Puno said the party’s 41 members will discuss the possible shift during the upcoming six-week Lenten recess.

“Itong recess, magmi-meeting meeting, pag-uusapan namin kasi, alam mo, sana, he is our leader, he should lead. Di ba? But hindi yata nakakausap yung mga miyembro ng Kongreso eh para alamin yung mga problema na inaabot namin lagi,” Puno said.

The Antipolo lawmaker said some lawmakers feel the House leadership has become detached from the concerns of rank-and-file members.

“Parang humihiwalay sila sa sitwasyon ng mga congressmen ngayon. Sana hindi ganyan... Speaker namin siya di ba?” he added.

Despite the criticism, Puno said the NUP has consistently supported the House leadership in recent months.

“Sa past few months wala kayong narinig sa amin kung di puro suporta sa kanila. Di na nila kailangan kami kausapin dalawang beses. Pag may hiniling silang tulong sa aming partido, tumutulong kami,” he said.

However, he said the party will reassess its position during the recess.

“Pero dito sa recess na mangyayari, magmi-meeting meeting kami ulit. Titingnan namin kung dapat pa ba kami maiwan sa majority or lumipat na lang kami sa minority,” Puno said.

The NUP is currently the second-largest political party in the House, next only to Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats, making any potential shift significant for the chamber’s political balance.

Puno clarified that the issue is not personal, noting that he has long been friends with Dy and his family.

He also dismissed speculation that the party is planning to push for a new House Speaker.