2022 far off NUP horizon

It is our position that as of this time, we are not entertaining any idea that any member of NUP would run as senator or even a higher position in 2022

Despite slowly emerging as one of the formidable parties in the House of Representatives, the National Unity Party (NUP) on Monday clarified that it has no interest in fielding candidates for national positions in the 2022 elections.

In a television interview, NUP president Elpidio Barzaga reiterated that the party will not compete with Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) — the ruling party of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“It is our position that as of this time, we are not entertaining any idea that any member of NUP would run as senator or even a higher position in 2022,” Barzaga said. “It is possible we might have viable candidates but we are more than satisfied in having a small political party.”

The past week, 12 members of the PDP earlier transferred to NUP, triggering speculations that it could be an emerging power bloc in the House. The NUP also adopted President Rodrigo Duterte’s son — Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte as a member.

It also promoted popular Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso as its vice chairman for political affairs.

Barzaga explained that the younger Duterte had earlier expressed interest in joining the party after the House Speaker election last 22 July because he liked the NUP’s camaraderie.

“My colleagues in NUP who are friends with Pulong said he liked the party’s camaraderie. So we gave the idea you can join the party even without renouncing your party affiliation,” Barzaga said.

The NUP leader, however, stressed that the President’s son “does not have aspirations” to be House Speaker, although he noted that in Philippine politics, everything is still uncertain and unsure.

“But of course in so far as politics is concerned, everything is still uncertain,” he said

Meanwhile, Barzaga assured that lawmakers will follow the chamber’s budget under the General Appropriations Act of 2019 regardless of having 18 House deputy speakers.