Leila de Lima and Chel Diokno Join Impeachment Prosecution Team
Leila de Lima and Chel Diokno have accepted an invitation from House Speaker Martin Romualdez to become part of the prosecution team for the upcoming impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte. This move highlights the effort to build a strong and credible legal team for the case.
De Lima is expected to be a member of the House of Representatives in the incoming 20th Congress as the first nominee of the ML Partylist, while Diokno will join as the first nominee of the Akbayan party-list. Both are respected lawyers known for their commitment to justice.
“Got a call from the Speaker just an hour ago. I answered yes to the suggestion/offer to be part of the prosecution panel,” De Lima shared on Wednesday. She added, “I’ve always believed that public office comes with the duty to uphold accountability, no matter the personalities involved. This is part of my continuing work for justice and reform. I’m here to serve the truth—nothing more, nothing less.”
Akbayan Party Supports Chel Diokno’s Role
In a separate statement, the Akbayan Party confirmed Diokno’s invitation to join the House prosecution team. They emphasized their backing of the impeachment process, calling it a historic step towards accountability.
“As the principal endorser of the first impeachment complaint and after thorough party deliberations, we extend our full support to this historic process of accountability,” the statement read. It also said, “Incoming Akbayan Representative Atty. Chel Diokno will join the House prosecution panel. Buong tapang na tinatanggap ng Akbayan ang bagong kabanata ng laban para sa katarungan at pananagutan.”
Enhancing Credibility and Balance in Impeachment Trial
Several members of the original 11-person House Prosecution Panel lost in the recent 2025 elections. Speaker Romualdez expressed that including De Lima and Diokno would significantly add “credibility, balance, and depth” to the impeachment proceedings.
“Former Senator De Lima and Atty. Diokno are two of the most respected legal minds in the country. Their potential inclusion in the prosecution panel would add credibility, balance, and depth to this constitutionally mandated process,” Romualdez said. He further emphasized that both have lifelong records of upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic institutions.
“They are not just veteran lawyers—they are public servants with a lifelong record of upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic institutions. Their involvement would be a valuable contribution to ensuring that the proceedings are fair, principled, and rooted in the public interest,” he added.
Commitment to Fair and Principled Proceedings
Romualdez stressed that the goal is to assemble the best prosecution team possible, even if it includes opposition members. “This is not about targeting individuals. This is about fulfilling our constitutional duty with integrity. The House is committed to presenting a case based solely on facts, evidence, and the rule of law,” he explained.
He also noted, “The Senate, as the impeachment court, deserves to hear a case presented with competence and credibility. The participation of figures like De Lima and Diokno will help ensure that.”
The Senate will serve as the impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Duterte. Senate President Francis Escudero previously announced that the trial could start on July 30, coinciding with the start of the 20th Congress and the swearing-in of newly elected senators who will act as impeachment judges.
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