Former senator Leila de Lima and Vice President Sara Duterte 

MANILA, Philippines – Former senator Leila de Lima on Wednesday said she has already accepted being a member of the 11-man prosecution panel against Vice President Sara Duterte on her impeachment trial because she believes she can contribute to her  “successful prosecution.” 

“Ngayong hapon, nakatanggap ako ng tawag. I accepted it kasi sa tingin ko makakatulong naman ako, makaka-contribute ako dyan sa successful prosecution of VP Sara kapag humarap na siya sa impeachment trial ng Senado,” De Lima said in an interview on TeleRadyo Serbisyo’s Johnson Ikwento Mo.

A former justice secretary, De Lima who is now the first nominee of Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party list plans to bring wealth of experience in Duterte’s impeachment. 

“Alam niyo naman na naging spokesperson ako ng first group of impeachment complainants… lagi ko naman pinaninindigan ‘yung rule of law tungkol sa katotohanan, hustisya, pananagutan. Nakita ko na malakas ang  ebidensya at may basehan sa impeachment kay VP Sara na aasa ang prosecution na hahantong sa kaniyang conviction,” De Lima said. 

De Lima said other members of the prosecution panel are yet to be finalized but one sure inclusion is human rights lawyer Chel Diokno. 

“Sa ngayon, ang alam ko inannounce na rin ng Akbayan na tinanggap na rin ni Atty. Chel Diokno. And then ‘yung dati I think mayroon na rin silang inannounce na members of the prosecution panel. Pero syempre ipa-finalize ‘yung listahan ng buong prosecution panel,” she said. 

In a separate statement, De Lima who is among the staunchest political critics of the Duterte family particularly former President Rodrigo Duterte, said her decision to accept the job came from a place of duty and principle.”

“I have always stood for truth, accountability, and the rule of law — across different administrations, regardless of political affiliation. That commitment remains unchanged,” she said. 

Impeachment trial is set to roll out once 20th Congress enters into function.