Manila: Five additional private prosecutors have joined the House prosecution panel in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. Their entry adds diverse legal expertise, including Supreme Court communications, human rights litigation, tax, criminal law, legislative work, and trial advocacy, to the team tasked with presenting evidence before the impeachment court.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima expressed her approval on Monday for the inclusion of lawyers Theodore Te, Reynaldo Robles, Arnold Labay, Mae Divinagracia, and Benjamin 'Jay' Tolosa Jr. as private prosecutors assisting the House panel. Former Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers will also join as an additional spokesperson and impeachment adviser for the prosecution.
De Lima stated in a press conference, "It is our privilege to formally introduce the newest members of the private prosecution panel, as well as the panel's additional spokesperson and impeachment adviser. We welcome these seasoned lawyers because their experience will help the prosecution present its case clearly, responsibly and with the seriousness that the Filipino people deserve."
Among the new additions, Theodore Te brings a combination of courtroom, human rights, legal education, and public communication experience, having served as chief public information officer of the Supreme Court from 2013 to 2018. Te also holds positions as interim chairperson of the Free Legal Assistance Group and a full-time faculty member at the University of the Philippines College of Law. His experience includes litigating cases at all court levels and presenting oral arguments on major constitutional issues.
Reynaldo Robles, founding and managing partner of Chan Robles and Associates, brings expertise in criminal and civil litigation, corporate law, election law, and other areas. Robles has also held roles as a legal and legislative consultant to public officials and institutions, including chief legislative consultant in the Senate.
Arnold Labay, a CPA-lawyer and senior partner at Chan Robles and Associates, offers decades of experience in litigation, law practice, teaching, and legal writing. Labay has served as managing partner and litigation lawyer at LAMP and taught law at New Era University.
Mae Divinagracia, managing partner of Co Nazario Velasco-Catera and Divinagracia Law Offices, specializes in commercial, civil, and criminal litigation, arbitration, and corporate rehabilitation. She has previously worked in ACCRALAW's Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department and taught law at various universities.
Benjamin 'Jay' Tolosa, already serving as the prosecution's legal spokesperson, will also be introduced as a private prosecutor. He is the founding and managing partner of Tolosa Lim and Chua Law Firm, with extensive experience in litigation and dispute resolution.
Barbers, serving as impeachment adviser, brings a wealth of public service and legislative experience to the team. Known for his straightforward approach and understanding of public policy, Barbers is respected for his ability to explain complex national issues clearly.
The prosecution panel indicated that these additions aim to strengthen evidence presentation, refine trial preparation, and enhance public understanding of the constitutional process before the Senate impeachment court.
