MANILA — Former Senator Leila de Lima and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno are set to join the House of Representatives’ prosecution panel in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
De Lima, now the first nominee of the Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list, confirmed on Wednesday that she accepted an invitation from House Speaker Martin Romualdez to participate in the high-profile legal proceedings.
“I said yes,” De Lima stated, referring to Romualdez’s offer.
Speaker Romualdez, in a separate statement, welcomed the involvement of De Lima and Diokno, the first nominee of Akbayan Party-list, citing their “unquestioned legal expertise and deep commitment to justice.”
“Former Senator De Lima and Atty. Diokno are two of the most respected legal minds in the country. Their inclusion will bring credibility, balance, and depth to this constitutionally mandated process,” Romualdez said. “They are not just veteran lawyers—they are public servants dedicated to the rule of law and the protection of democratic institutions.”
Diokno also confirmed his participation in the prosecution panel. In a statement released by Akbayan on May 14, the party declared, “Buong tapang na tinatanggap ng Akbayan ang bagong kabanata ng laban para sa katarungan at pananagutan.”
Vice President Duterte was impeached by the House in February over alleged “high crimes,” including purported involvement in an assassination plot targeting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court shortly after Congress resumes session on June 2, 2025. A two-thirds majority is required for a conviction. To avoid removal from office—and maintain hopes for a future presidential bid—Duterte must secure at least nine Senate votes.
