House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez said Wednesday he would welcome the inclusion of former senator Leila de Lima and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno in the House prosecution panel for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte in the Senate.

Romualdez said De Lima and Diokno, both veteran lawyers, would strengthen the credibility of the case, which stems from allegations relating to Duterte’s use of confidential funds.

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

“They are not just veteran lawyers – they are public servants with a lifelong record of upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic institutions.”

De Lima and Diokno will join the House in the 20th Congress – the former to represent the Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list and the latter to represent Akbayan, which is currently leading in the party-list race.

Romualdez said the possible involvement of the two in the impeachment trial would be a “valuable contribution to ensuring that the proceedings are fair, principled, and rooted in the public interest.”

“The Senate, as the impeachment court, deserves to hear a case presented with competence and credibility. The participation of figures like De Lima and Diokno will help ensure that,” he said, noting that the impeachment trial must be conducted with integrity.

“This is not about targeting individuals. This is about fulfilling our constitutional duty with integrity. The House is committed to presenting a case based solely on facts, evidence, and the rule of law.”

He reiterated the House’s commitment to upholding democratic institutions and the Constitution “without fear or favor, and with the full trust of the Filipino people.” (PNA)