Manila: Malacañang has announced that lawmakers are free to decide their stance on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. This statement comes amid discussions within the National Unity Party (NUP), the second-largest political bloc in the House of Representatives, which has expressed that it would refrain from supporting the impeachment unless new compelling evidence is presented during the hearings. According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that the administration is not influencing the lawmakers' decisions. "Decision po nila iyan. May kalayaan po silang mag-decide, hindi naman po sila sinasaklawan ng ating Pangulo at ng administrasyon na ito (That's their decision. They have the freedom to decide, they are not governed by our President and this administration)," Castro stated during a press briefing. She further noted that the party's stance would likely align with what is deemed beneficial for its members and organization. When queried ab out the President's influence in the House, Castro dismissed the notion of political number games, emphasizing that the President's focus is on due process and evidence. "Huwag nating isingit o ilagay sa issue ang numero ng Pangulo sa House of Representatives. Ang Pangulo po ay bumabase sa proseso at sa ebidensiya. Kung ano po iyong makikita nilang ebidensiya, iyon lamang po ang kanilang isulong (Let's not insert or put the President's number on the issue in the House of Representatives. The President bases his actions on process and evidence. Whatever evidence they see, that's all they should advance)," she remarked. The impeachment complaint against Duterte is scheduled for hearings in early March. Lawmakers will assess the existence of sufficient grounds to advance the case in accordance with constitutional procedures.