National Unity Party (Philippines)

History

Formation and early years

After the merger of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI) founded by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and led by Ronnie Puno and Pabling Garcia into ruling party Lakas–CMD (Lakas) in mid-2008. The merger's primary goal is to ensure the dominance and victory of all pro-Arroyo and her allies in 2010 national elections, with 200 national and 8,000 local officials. On September 30, 2009, the party merger was approved by COMELEC.

But, by 2009 the newly merged party was raided by opposition bets from Nacionalista and Liberal to strengthen their legislative force for the 2010 elections.

In 2011, Garcia and Puno and their supporters broke away from Lakas to found the National Unity Party (NUP). NUP's initiative is to support Liberal President Benigno Aquino III.

2025

In 2025 Speakership election, Congressman Duke Frasco from Cebu was removed from the party due to non-signing of manifesto which affirms support for incumbent Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Months later, on September 10, 2025, Congressman Kiko Barzaga from Cavite left the party after he was supposedly accused by Deputy Speaker and party chairman Ronaldo Puno that he solicited signatures to remove House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a claim which Barzaga denied. He also left the majority bloc and being an assistant majority leader to join the minority.

Ronnie Puno, the chairman led the NUP on September 15, 2025, on its intent to file an ethics complaint against Kiko Barzaga, citing four possible violations: failing to reflect creditably on the House, engaging in unlawful and immoral acts, inciting seditious activity, and conduct unbecoming of a member of Congress. Evidence presented in the ethics complain include Barzaga posting lewd photos with scantily clad women and him making ostentatious display of wealth by holding bundles of cash.

On December 1, Barzaga was suspended for 60 days due to reckless behavior from his posts on social media. The adoption of the ethics committee recommendation against Barzaga was voted in favor by 249 House of Representatives members, five voted against, and 11 abstained.

On December 20, NUP stalwart, Congressman Romeo Acop of Antipolo died of heart complications, triggering a special election scheduled on March 14, 2026.

Ideology and positions

According to the party's constitution, NUP's principles include the following: belief in God; sovereignty of the state, national interest and democracy; social justice and responsibility; and environmental awareness.

Party leadership

• Chairman: Ronaldo V. Puno
• Vice-chairman for External Affairs: Romeo Acop
• Vice-chairman for Internal Affairs: Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla
• National President: Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, 1st District of Camarines Sur
• Vice President for Luzon: Rep. Lorna Silverio, 3rd District of Bulacan
• Vice President for Visayas: Rep. Pablo John Garcia, 3rd District of Cebu
• Vice President for Mindanao: Rep. Adolph Edward G. Plaza, 2nd District of Agusan Del Sur
• Secretary-General: Rep. Albert Raymond S. Garcia, 2nd District of Bataan
• Treasurer: Rep. Antonio A. Ferrer, 6th District of Cavite

List of party chairmen

• Pablo P. Garcia (2011–2013)
• Ronaldo Puno (2013–present)

Elected members

20th Congress (2025–present)

District Representatives

Governors

Notable Mayors

Election results

Presidential and vice presidential elections

Legislative elections

Notes

References

References

1. "Who to Vote For? Get to Know the Political Parties in the Philippines". Esquiremag.ph.
2. "NUP seals alliance with PDP–Laban". Rappler.
3. Ager, Maila. "NUP, Duterte's PDP–Laban formalize alliance". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
4. Rosario, Ben. (November 10, 2011). "National Unity Party accredited". Manila Bulletin.
5. [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080206-117116/Ramos-De-Venecia-to-remain-president-in-Lakas-Kampi-merger Inquirer.net, Ramos: De Venecia to remain president in Lakas-Kampi merger] {{webarchive. link. (December 23, 2014)
6. Porcalla, Delon. (January 31, 2009). "Lakas-Kampi merger backed".
7. [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news4_june19_2008 manilastandardtoday.com, Lakas, Kampi merge; see victory in 2010 polls]
8. [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/101994/Lakas-CMD-Kampi-merge GMA NEWS.TV, Lakas-CMD, Kampi merge]
9. Crisostomo, Sheila. (September 30, 2009). "Comelec division OKs Lakas-Kampi merger".
10. Sy, Marvin. (June 3, 2009). "Palace: Opposition raiding merged Lakas-Kampi".
11. Diaz, Jess. (February 4, 2011). "New party for Lakas turned LP lawmakers".
12. Crisostomo, Sheila. (July 14, 2011). "New party of GMA allies to support Noy".
13. Diaz, Jess. (November 21, 2011). "Party mates to rally support for P-Noy".
14. Gonzalez, Mia. (2025-06-07). "NUP expels Duke Frasco for not signing manifesto of support for Romualdez".
15. Salcedo, Mary Joy. (2025-06-07). "NUP expels Duke Frasco for not supporting Romualdez, says Villafuerte".
16. Lalu, Gabriel Pabico. "Barzaga leaves NUP, disputes claims of soliciting signatures vs Speaker".
17. de Leon, Dwight. (September 15, 2025). "Kiko Barzaga faces House ethics complaint, accused of 'potentially' inciting to sedition". Rappler.
18. Lalu, Gabriel Pabico. (September 15, 2025). "NUP to bring Barzaga's behavior before House ethics panel".
19. Lalu, Gabriel Pabico. (2025-09-15). "Lewd photos, display of wealth evidence vs Barzaga, says Puno".
20. de Leon, Dwight. (September 15, 2025). "Kiko Barzaga faces House ethics complaint, accused of 'potentially' inciting to sedition". Rappler.
21. Lalu, Gabriel Pabico. (September 15, 2025). "NUP to bring Barzaga's behavior before House ethics panel".
22. Gavilan, Jodesz. (2025-12-21). "Antipolo congressman Romeo Acop dies".
23. Villanueva, Gillian. (January 14, 2026). "Comelec sets special polls in 2nd district of Antipolo City". [[Philippine Daily Inquirer]].
24. "National Unity Party".