MANILA — The National Unity Party (NUP) said it is unlikely to vote in favor of the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte unless “compelling new evidence” is presented.

“At this stage, the NUP has not seen the inclusion of new and material evidence that would warrant a departure from issues that have already been the subject of prior inquiries and extensive public hearings,” the party said in a statement.

“Unless compelling new evidence emerges during the course of these hearings that fundamentally alters the factual basis for the impeachment complaint, the NUP will most likely not vote in favor of this measure,” it added.

The party also stressed that the process should not be used as a political tool.

“It is not a political instrument nor a forum for revisiting matters already exhaustively examined,” the NUP said.

“Rather, it is a solemn constitutional mechanism for enforcing accountability at the highest levels of public office, and should be evaluated carefully in light of the evidence presented,” it added.

The NUP clarified that it will not pre-empt the proceedings and remains open to reviewing any new evidence that may arise during deliberations. The party also said Congress should prioritize urgent national concerns, noting that impeachment proceedings consume significant time and resources from both chambers.

“The NUP believes that Congress must carefully allocate its time, focus, and institutional resources toward more pressing and urgent national concerns,” the statement read.

“…Resources which we believe would be better directed toward matters that have a more immediate impact on the economic stability, public safety, and the daily welfare of Filipinos,” it added.