House Prosecution Panel Includes Leila de Lima Despite Controversy
Lanao del Sur 1st district Representative Zia Alonto Adiong has addressed concerns regarding the participation of Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Representative Leila de Lima in the House prosecution team for Vice President Sara Duterte’s upcoming impeachment trial. According to Adiong, De Lima’s involvement is legitimate and fully complies with House rules.
Adiong emphasized that there is no conflict of interest in De Lima’s role despite rumors about her strained relationship with the Duterte family. “Wala naman siyang conflict dahil ang sinasabi naman sa rules, sa aming rules, ay kailangan miyembro… kailangan miyembro ng House of Representatives,” he said. He further clarified, “So si Congressman Leila de Lima naman ay miyembro, magiging member ng House of Representatives sa 20th Congress.”
Legal Basis for De Lima’s Inclusion in the Prosecution Team
Adiong, currently serving as assistant majority leader in the 19th Congress, also pointed out that the House prosecution team is allowed to enlist private lawyers to assist in the trial. “Pangalawa, allowed naman din na kumuha ang House prosecution ng House of Representatives ng mga private lawyers,” he said.
Leila de Lima, a former senator and Department of Justice secretary, secured her seat in the 20th Congress after the ML Party-list’s victory in the May 12 midterm elections. Shortly after, House leadership selected her to join the prosecution panel against Vice President Sara Duterte, the eldest daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Background and Political Context Surrounding De Lima
Critics note De Lima’s historically tense relationship with the Duterte family. In February 2017, just eight months into President Duterte’s term, she was detained on illegal drug charges. During that period, she became a prominent figure associated with the prior administration’s anti-drug campaign. Since then, De Lima has been acquitted and was released from prison on November 13, 2023.
Despite the contentious history, community leaders and political analysts argue that her appointment to the prosecution team aligns with legal guidelines and the rules of the House of Representatives. Her participation underscores the complex dynamics at play in the impeachment trial.
For more news and updates on Leila de Lima’s role in the House prosecution, visit Filipinokami.com.