Former Senator and ML Partylist Representative-elect Leila De Lima and Akbayan Partylist Representative-elect Chel Dionko have accepted House Speaker Martin Romualdez's invitation to join the 11-man House Prosecution Panel for the coming impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a statement on Wednesday, De Lima said her decision 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," the former justice secretary said.

The Senate is set to convene itself as an impeachment court late July.

During the term of President Rodrigo Duterte, De Lima was charged with alleged involvement in drug trade in 2017 and was arrested. The court acquitted De Lima in 2024.

She was the spokesperson of Akbayan, which filed an impeachment complaint against the vice president late last year.

De Lima said her decision was not made based on personalities or partisan politics, and was instead about honoring public trust and the responsibilities that come with it.

"My participation is one part of the broader agenda for Justice and Reform - an agenda I intend to pursue fully as I take my place in the House of Representatives," De Lima added.

Akbayan Partylist confirmed Diokno's participation in the House prosecution panel in a statement on Wednesday ''after thorough party deliberations.''

Romualdez said De Lima and Diokno '' 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 replaced two House prosecutors after they failed to get re-elected in the 2025 midterm national elections. Yzabela Velez-White/DMS