(May 14, 2025) — Former senator Leila de Lima and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno have accepted the offer to be part of the House prosecution panel for the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Diokno is the first nominee of Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party, while de Lima is representing the Mamamayang Liberal Party-list. Both groups are among the frontrunners in the latest partial and unofficial count of the party-list race.
In a statement, de Lima revealed that she received an offer from House Speaker Martin Romualdez to join the prosecution panel. The former senator said she has always stood for truth, accountability and rule of law, regardless of political affiliation.
“This is not about personalities or partisan politics. It is about honoring the public trust and the responsibilities that come with it,” the former senator said.
Akbayan, who endorsed the first impeachment complaint against the Vice President, also confirmed that Diokno will join the prosecution.
“Buong tapang na tinatanggap ng Akbayan ang bagong kabanata ng laban para sa katarungan at pananagutan,” the party-list said.
Romualdez welcomed the possible inclusion of de Lima and Diokno in the prosecution panel.
“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.
In February, 215 out of the 306 lawmakers in the lower house voted to impeach Duterte. The articles of impeachment against the Vice President include misuse and malversation of confidential funds, high crime of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, among others.
The House of Representatives formed a 11-member panel to present the case against Duterte in the Senate.
However, two members of the House prosecution panel have lost their congressional seats following the 2025 elections. General Santos Representative Loreto Acharon failed to secure reelection, while Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Jil Bongalon lost in the congressional rave in the 1st District of Albay.
The Senate trial is scheduled to begin in July, after President Bongbong Marcos delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address.
(With reports from Marianne Enriquez, News5)
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