Chel Diokno and Leila De Lima are set to join the House of Representatives’ prosecution team for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Both confirmed receiving and accepting an invitation from House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Photo: Chel Diokno | Leila De Lima
In a statement, Romualdez emphasized that the inclusion of Diokno and De Lima in the prosecution team would “add credibility, balance, and depth” to the mandated process.
“Former Senator De Lima and Atty. Diokno are two of the most respected legal minds in the country,” he said. “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.”
De Lima noted that her decision to accept the invitation stems from a “place of duty and principle.”
“I have always stood for truth, accountability, and the rule of law—across different administrations, regardless of political affiliation. That commitment remains unchanged,” she stated.
“This is not about personalities or partisan politics. It is about honoring the public trust and the responsibilities that come with it. My participation is one part of the broader agenda for Justice and Reform—an agenda I intend to pursue fully as I take my place in the House of Representatives.”
Meanwhile, Diokno also indicated his intention to join the prosecution team.
“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,” he expressed.
Akbayan, with Diokno as its first nominee, is leading the party-list race, while Mamamayang Liberal (ML), whose first nominee is De Lima, ranks 14th based on partial and unofficial results from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as of May 14. Therefore, Akbayan is guaranteed three seats, and ML is projected to secure one seat in the 20th Congress.
In February, Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives, with a total of 215 lawmakers signing a fourth impeachment complaint against her over the alleged misuse of confidential funds, betrayal of public trust, and threat to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Romualdez assassinated.
Duterte’s impeachment trial is expected to begin in July.
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