Rep. Frasco calls for House leadership that ‘unites rather than divides’

Deputy Speaker and Cebu 5th district Rep. Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco said on Monday that the House of Representatives is in need of a leadership “that unites rather than divides” after he was expelled from the National Unity Party for refusing to support Speaker Martin Romualdez in the 20th Congress. 

“At this critical time in our nation, I believe we need leadership in the House that unites rather than divides. Leadership that reinforces our shared vision and strengthens the path forward our country,” said Frasco in a statement. 

After his expulsion from National Unity Party, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco explains why he declined to sign a manifesto supporting Rep Martin Romualdez's continued stay as Speaker in the 20th Congress:

“The House needs leadership that unites rather than divides.” @gmanews pic.twitter.com/nIlDpcd8j8

— Jonathan Andal (@JonathanAndal_) June 9, 2025

Frasco was earlier kicked out from the party after he did not sign the manifesto supporting Romualdez’s continued stay as House Speaker. 

NUP president and Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte said Frasco's ‘unilateral decision’ was a ‘blatant breach of the NUP’s official position of unequivocal support for the Speaker to keep his premier post in the next Congress.”

Further, Villafuerte said the Cebu lawmaker  should have first discussed his contrary position with the NUP leadership, "rather than go out in public and breach our unanimous party decision.”

For his part, Frasco said that he did not sign the manifesto after “careful reflection.”

“In recent weeks, I have spoken with my colleagues in Congress, local leaders - especially from the Visayas and Mindanao - and most importantly, with my own constituents,” he said. “A shared frustration has emerged. There is deep disappointment that the unity of our people once hoped for has been steadily undermined by political and personal interests.” 

The Cebu lawmaker added that public servants should not prioritize their political interests over their duty to the people. 

“The President has consistently called for unity, stability, and a government that delivers meaningful change. I firmly believe that the House of Representatives should reflect these values, not only through the laws we pass, but also in the leadership that we uphold,” said Frasco. 

“This decision is not about creating further division. I simply believe the House of Representatives can, and must, do better. We should be a partner of building the country up, not a platform for further discord,” he added. 

House spokesperson Princess Abante said earlier that lawmakers from across the country—including those from Central Visayas—recently reaffirmed their support for Romualdez’s continued leadership. 

As of May 31, Abante said, 285 members of the incoming 20th Congress had expressed their support for the Leyte lawmaker. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/AOL, GMA Integrated News