Former senator Leila de Lima and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno are set to join the House prosecution team for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, marking a significant chapter in their legal careers.
Both De Lima and Diokno, who are the first nominees of their respective party-list groups Mamamayang Liberal (ML) and Akbayan, confirmed their participation in separate statements on Wednesday. The two will serve as part of the 11-member prosecution panel, with De Lima describing the role as a commitment to “truth, accountability, and the rule of law.”
“The Speaker has invited me to serve on the prosecution panel for the upcoming impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. I have accepted,” De Lima announced. She emphasized that her decision is rooted in her dedication to justice, which has defined her career, regardless of political affiliations.
De Lima’s inclusion comes after a turbulent chapter in her life when she was detained for six years on drug trafficking charges, a case that was eventually dismissed following witness retractions. Her return to active public service now places her at the forefront of a high-profile legal process.
For his part, Diokno’s role in the prosecution panel is a return to an arena he knows well, having served as a private prosecutor in the 2001 Senate impeachment trial of former President Joseph Estrada. Akbayan, which topped the recent party-list polls, confirmed his inclusion, expressing full support for the accountability process.
The impeachment trial stems from complaints against Duterte, including allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust. Specific charges involve her alleged inaction during Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea and a controversial trip to Germany amid Supertyphoon Carina.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed the inclusion of De Lima and Diokno, praising their legal expertise. “Their participation will add credibility, balance, and depth to this constitutionally mandated process,” he said.
The Senate is expected to begin the impeachment trial on July 30, following the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment in the plenary on June 2.
