House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday said he would welcome the inclusion of seasoned human rights lawyers Leila de Lima and Chel Diokno in the House prosecution panel for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, 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 potential inclusion in the prosecution panel would add credibility, balance, and depth to this constitutionally mandated process,” Romualdez 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,” he added.
De Lima and Diokno are expected to return to Congress in the 20th Congress, with De Lima poised to represent the Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list and Diokno associated with Akbayan, which is currently leading the party-list race.
Romualdez emphasized that the impeachment trial must rise above politics and personalities, and be carried out with “utmost seriousness and responsibility.”
“This is not about targeting individuals. This is about fulfilling our constitutional duty with integrity. The House is committed to presenting a case based solely on facts, evidence, and the rule of law,” he said.
Vice President Sara Duterte faces impeachment charges stemming from issues related to confidential funds and constitutional accountability.
“The Senate, as the impeachment court, deserves to hear a case presented with competence and credibility. The participation of figures like De Lima and Diokno will help ensure that,” Romualdez said.
The House Speaker reiterated that the goal is to preserve democratic institutions and uphold the Constitution, “without fear or favor, and with the full trust of the Filipino people.”
In recent separate interviews, both De Lima and Diokno affirmed their openness in the possibility of helping the government seek accountability versus VP Duterte, who is facing allegations of unexplained expenditures among other charges.
“I’m not insisting on offering my services. But I’m very much willing to serve as a prosecution panel member, and I have had some experience in impeachment cases,” Diokno was quoted saying in a Teleradyo Serbisyo interview.
De Lima echoed similar thoughts in a separate interview with News5. “I would always be willing, whatever role is available for me, I will take it with full integrity,” she said.