Several leaders of the House of Representatives have expressed support for the inclusion of former senator Atty. Leila de Lima and human rights lawyer Atty. Chel Diokno in the House Prosecution Team for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union said he is confident that the potential inclusion of De Lima and Diokno would provide significant legal strength and enhance the credibility and integrity of the team seeking to hold the vice president accountable.
"Hindi lang basta nadagdagan ang team: nadagdagan tayo ng dalawang boses na matagal nang lumalaban para sa human rights at rule of law," Ortega said.
He added, "Malaking bagay 'yung nandiyan sina incoming Rep. De Lima at Rep. Diokno, hindi lang sa legal na usapin, kundi sa moral na aspeto ng impeachment trial ni VP Duterte."
Ortega emphasized that both De Lima and Diokno are respected legal experts and long-time critics of human rights violations. He said their presence in the prosecution panel would lend greater weight to the impeachment case against Vice President Duterte.
"Ang malinaw dito: hindi ito laban ng kulay o partido. Laban ito ng katotohanan at pananagutan," he pointed out.
House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong also expressed support, saying the inclusion of De Lima and Diokno reflects the House's commitment to pursue accountability through the impeachment process.
"With the addition of incoming Reps. De Lima and Diokno, we see the convergence of moral clarity and legal precision in our pursuit of conviction," Adiong said.
"Their presence brings not only valuable expertise but also a profound human rights perspective that elevates the quality of the entire proceeding," he added.
When the 20th Congress convenes in July, Diokno will represent the Akbayan party-list group, while De Lima will serve as the representative of the Mamamayang Liberal, both having secured seats in the 2025 elections.
The impeachment case stemmed from allegations of irregularities in the use of P612.5 million in confidential funds in 2022, as well as her televised threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
