House plenary to tackle inclusion of De Lima, Diokno in prosecution panel for VP Duterte impeachment

Metro Manila, Philippines - Lawmakers will discuss in the plenary of the House of Representatives the inclusion of Leila de Lima and Chel Diokno, who are poised to be elected party-list representatives, in the prosecution panel for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

House Deputy Speaker Jay-jay Suarez said they will tackle the issue after the formal proclamation of winning party-lists, which is expected next week.

“And until such time, then it will be tackled on the floor,” Suarez told reporters on Friday, May 16. “And then once that has been tackled, then you can move forward with the issue.”

House Speaker Martin Romualdez invited De Lima and Diokno, who are both human rights lawyers, to become part of the 11-member prosecution team for Duterte’s impeachment trial.

The invitation came after the loss of Jil Bongalon in Albay’s first district race and Loreto Acharon in General Santos City’s lone district race.

Diokno’s Akbayan party-list emerged as the frontrunner in the party-list race, while De Lima’s Mamamayang Liberal party-list is expected to secure a seat.

“We’re welcoming, of course, any new member who wants to be part of the prosecuting panel,” Suarez said.

“Kasi naniniwala naman kami na kung mas marami makakatulong para mai-advance po ‘yung proseso, mas makakatulong po ito sa impeachment process,” he said.

[Translation: We believe that more people who can help in advancing the process will be beneficial in the impeachment process.]

The 19th Congress will resume its session on June 2 and will adjourn on June 13.

Two-hundred fifteen House lawmakers impeached Duterte in February due to alleged graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes.

The impeachment trial may begin in July after the State of the Nation Address, according to Senate President Chiz Escudero.