House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has approved the inclusion of former Senator Leila de Lima and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno in the House prosecution panel for the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, despite both not yet being officially proclaimed as party-list representatives.

Romualdez praised De Lima and Diokno for their “unquestioned legal expertise and deep commitment to justice,” expressing confidence that their participation would enhance the credibility and substance of the proceedings.

“Former Senator De Lima and Atty. Diokno are two of the most respected legal minds in the country,” Romualdez said. “Their potential inclusion in the prosecution panel would add credibility, balance, and depth to this constitutionally mandated process.”

He emphasized that the impeachment trial is not politically motivated but is a reflection of Congress’ duty to ensure accountability in public office.

“They are not just veteran lawyers—they are public servants with a lifelong commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic institutions,” he added. “Their involvement would be a valuable contribution in ensuring that the proceedings are fair, principled, and rooted in the public interest.”

Although the two have yet to be formally proclaimed as party-list lawmakers, De Lima is expected to represent the Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list, while Diokno is set to represent Akbayan, which topped the recent party-list elections.

De Lima confirmed her acceptance of Romualdez’s offer to join the prosecution team.“Got a call from the Speaker just an hour ago. I answered yes to the suggestion to be part of the prosecution panel,” she said. “Whatever role I can take on that I believe I can perform with integrity, I would do it.”

Speaking to reporters in a phone interview, De Lima expressed confidence that the House prosecution panel will secure a conviction.

“Malinaw na malakas ang ebidensiya against the Vice President,” she said. “The prosecution would always have that feeling of confidence. And that’s why I agreed to be part of the prosecution—because I believe that there is merit in the case and the evidence is strong.”

Diokno, a seasoned legal advocate, brings with him experience from the 2001 impeachment trial of former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, where he served as a prosecutor.

House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales Representative Jay Khonghun also voiced support for the inclusion of De Lima and Diokno, citing their legal backgrounds and unwavering defense of human rights.

“With some prosecutors unable to continue in the 20th Congress, we welcome the possibility of including new members like former Sen. De Lima and Atty. Diokno in the prosecution panel,” Khonghun said. “They are both lawyers, consistent defenders of human rights, and long-time critics of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal war on drugs—exactly the kind of voices we need to restore accountability.”

The Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court in the coming weeks, following the formal transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives.