Diokno open to joining prosecution in Duterte impeachment trial

Metro Manila, Philippines - A veteran rights lawyer on the way to having a seat in the House of Representatives has expressed willingness to join the prosecution team - should he be asked - in the trial of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte.

Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, first nominee of Akbayan which is leading the party-list race in the partial and unofficial count, was once part of the impeachment team as private prosecutor team leader during the trial of ex-President Erap Estrada.

“I would be open and I believe it would be an honor to be part of the prosecution panel,” Diokno told “The Newsmaker” on NewsWatch Plus on Wednesday, May 14.

Diokno, recalling his experience from the Estrada trial that was cut short by a public uprising called EDSA Dos, said the nation will be glued to the impeachment process.

“This is really going to be a good opportunity as well to educate people about justice and about the law,” the lawyer said.

“We can really put out the evidence and let the people decide whether this is acceptable from a high official of our government. And even if the votes are cast by the senators sitting as the Senate impeachment court, public opinion is going to be a very, very big factor,” he said.

Diokno also said that he is prepared for any backlash from the Duterte camp should he join the prosecution team.

“Nasanay na ako dyan [I’m used to that],” he said. “Ever since the last administration, if you recall, I was the subject of one of the late-night tirades of the former president (Rodrigo Duterte). So, it's not something new to me.”

Should Akbayan obtain three House seats, Diokno will be joined by sitting Rep. Perci Cendaña and Lumad rights champion Dadah Kiram Ismula.

Diokno is the son of human rights lawyer and nationalist Jose “Ka Pepe” Diokno who was one of the founders of the Free Legal Assistance Group and was justice secretary during the Diosdado Macapagal administration.

Senate President Chiz Escudero said the Impeachment Court may begin the trial after the State of the Nation Address in July.

House prosecution panel

Based on partial and unofficial election results, eight of the 11 House prosecutors would make it to the 20th Congress.

The list includes lead prosecutor 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan and a mix of district representatives who are part of the majority and minority.

The 1-Rider party-list of panel member and first nominee Rodge Gutierrez is at the 28th spot in the partial and unofficial results and may not make the cut to obtain a seat.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon, who joined the congressional race, and re-electionist Gen. Santos City Rep. Loreto Acharon lost in the polls.

The Senate has tentatively set Duterte’s trial for July 30. The House transmitted to the Senate the Articles of Impeachment last Feb. 5.