National Unity Party (Philippines)

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.^[5] 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.^[6][7][8] On September 30, 2009, the party merger was approved by COMELEC.^[9]

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.^[10]

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.^[11][12][13]

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.^[14][15]

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.^[16]

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.^[17][18] 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.^[19]

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.^[20][21]

On December 20, NUP stalwart, Congressman Romeo Acop of Antipolo died of heart complications,^[22] triggering a special election scheduled on March 14, 2026.^[23]

2026

Romeo Acop's son Bong, also a member of the NUP won the special election in a landslide succeeding his late father.^[24]

20th Congress (2025–present)

Presidential and vice presidential elections

Legislative elections