‘Bloodbath’ trial: De Lima, Diokno say impeachment proceedings to bear truth
Metro Manila, Philippines - Incoming House members Chel Diokno and Leila de Lima, who are expected to be House prosecutors, said on Monday, May 19, impeachment proceedings are “sacred” and “civilized.”
The veteran lawyers’ remarks came after impeached Vice President Sara Duterte said she wants a “bloodbath” trial.
Diokno, the first nominee of Akbayan which led the party-list race, said he has already studied the articles of impeachment.
“Ang impeachment trial ay isang [is a] civilized, legal process,” said Diokno in a chance interview during the party-list proclamation in Manila.
“Kaya kami sumusuporta sa impeachment dahil gusto namin ng unang-una, malaman ang katotohanan; pangalawa ay magkaroon ng pananagutan; at pangatlo, syempre hustisya para sa tao,” he added.
[Translation: We support the impeachment trial because first, we want to know the truth; second, to hold people accountable; and third, to serve justice to the public.]
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep.-elect Leila de Lima said they are confident in getting a conviction.
“Hindi sana ako pumayag na maging part of the prosecution panel kung sa tingin ko hindi malakas ang kaso,” the former senator said. “Nakita ko na malakas ang basehan nung impeachment, nung mga articles of impeachment.”
[Translation: I would disagree to be part of the prosecution panel if I think the case is weak. I saw that the basis of the articles of impeachment is strong.]
4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, lead prosecutor of the House panel, said the 11 prosecutors should be reconfirmed.
“Kailangan lang i-reconfirm kasi ang source ng power ng mga mambabatas ay ‘yung Kongreso. ‘Pag bago na ‘yung Kongreso, kailangan humingi na naman tayo ng bagong authority,” Libanan explained.
[Translation: It has to be reconfirmed because our source of power is the Congress. When the Congress changes, we have to get a new authority.]
Duterte was impeached by 215 House members over graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes.
The Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court after the State of the Nation Address in July.
