De Lima and Diokno Join House Prosecution in Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial
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MAY 14,2025
MANILA, Philippines — With two members of the House prosecution panel losing their reelection bids, former Senator Leila de Lima and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno are stepping in. Both are set to play crucial roles in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Two Legal Heavyweights Join the Panel
De Lima and Diokno are the first nominees of party-list groups that won seats in the 2025 midterm elections. They’ve expressed full readiness to take on the responsibilities of prosecuting the case.
“I would always be willing,” said De Lima. “Kung anuman role ang pwede sa akin, at kaya kong gampanan nang buong katapatan — I will do it.”
(Whatever role I can fulfill with honesty, I will take it.)
Romualdez Welcomes Their Participation
House Speaker Martin Romualdez officially invited them to the panel, describing the two as “among the most respected legal minds in the country.” He said their presence will bring credibility, balance, and depth to the trial.
De Lima: From Detention to Duty
De Lima leads the Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list, which earned one seat after placing 14th. The former senator, recently acquitted of trumped-up drug charges, called the win “poetic justice.”
She confirmed her role in the impeachment panel:
“The House Speaker invited me to serve on the prosecution panel, and I have accepted,” she said.
“This is not about personalities or politics. It’s about honoring the public trust.”
De Lima and Diokno Brings Impeachment Experience
Chel Diokno, who represents Akbayan Party-list, also confirmed his participation. Akbayan won three House seats after securing 2.75 million votes.
“I’m not forcing myself into service, but I’m very willing to serve,” he said in a TeleRadyo interview.
“I also have experience in impeachment trials,” referring to his role during the 2000 case against former President Joseph Estrada.
Akbayan later confirmed that Diokno will be part of the prosecution team.
Why Their Role Matters
Speaker Romualdez emphasized the value of including public servants like De Lima and Diokno:
“The Senate deserves a prosecution team marked by competence and credibility,” he said.
“Both have a track record of upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic institutions.”
De Lima and Diokno-A Push for Justice and Reform
De Lima has been one of the most vocal critics of the Duterte administration. She served as spokesperson for the initial impeachment complaint, which Akbayan endorsed.
“This is part of my broader push for justice and reform,” she said. “It’s something I’ll pursue fully now that I’m back in Congress.”
What’s Next in the Trial?
With two members of the original 11-person panel losing their seats, the House prosecution team now has nine members.
- Pre-trial proceedings are set for June 2025 when Congress resumes.
- The Senate impeachment trial will follow in July, with newly elected senators sitting as judges.
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