Incoming ML and Akbayan Party-list first nominees Leila de Lima and Chel Diokno have both accepted the House of Representatives' invitation to join the Prosecution Panel for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The two are set to join the nine returning members of the original prosecution panel from the 19th Congress, who will resume their roles in the upcoming impeachment proceedings.
De Lima, in a statement, confirmed that she was invited by House Speaker Martin Romualdez to join the prosecution panel, an offer she willingly accepted.
"My decision comes from a place of duty and principle. I have always stood for truth, accountability, and the rule of law—across different administrations, regardless of political affiliation. That commitment remains unchanged," the former senator stated.
She then stressed that the matter transcends personalities and political divisions, focusing instead on respecting the responsibilities tied to public office and preserving the trust of the people.
"My participation is one part of the broader agenda for Justice and Reform—an agenda I intend to pursue fully as I take my place in the House of Representatives," she added.
The ML Partylist, in a separate statement, emphasized that their participation was not motivated by political ambition, but by a firm stand for truth, justice, and public trust.
"Ang pag-upo namin sa Kongreso ay hindi katahimikan kundi paninindigan. Isusulong namin ang adyenda ng hustisya at reporma, hindi lang laban sa isang opisyal, kundi laban sa kultura ng walang pananagutan," the statement read.
Meanwhile, Atty. Chel Diokno confirmed receiving the same invitation and reiterated that Akbayan boldly welcomes this new chapter in the fight for justice and accountability.
"Buong tapang na tinatanggap ng Akbayan ang bagong kabanata ng laban para sa katarungan at pananagutan," said Diokno.
Akbayan Partylist affirmed their full support for what they described as a historic process of accountability, citing their role as the principal endorser of the first impeachment complaint and the outcome of thorough party deliberations.
"As the principal endorser of the first impeachment complaint and after thorough party deliberations, we extend our full support to this historic process of accountability," the statement read.
The panel, which now includes De Lima and Diokno, is composed of the following members:
- Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro
- Antipolo 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop
- 1-Rider Representative Rodge Gutierrez
- Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua
- 4Ps Representative Marcelino Libanan
- Oriental Mindoro 1st District Representative Arnan Panaligan
- San Juan Representative Ysabel Zamora
- Iloilo 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor
- Bukidnon 2nd District Representative John Keith Flores
In February, the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte for high crimes, citing an alleged plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the alleged misuse of confidential funds during her time leading the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
The impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte is tentatively set to begin on July 30, under the 20th Congress. A two-thirds vote is required to convict, meaning Duterte must secure at least nine votes to retain her position.
