Manila: The House of Representatives The House of Representatives has formally elected an 11-member prosecution panel composed of lawmakers, lawyers, and legal experts who will represent the chamber in the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to Philippines News Agency, the prosecution team consists of senior House leaders and veteran legal practitioners from both the majority and minority blocs who will present the Articles of Impeachment and supporting evidence before the Senate during the impeachment trial. The elected members include Reps. Joel Chua (Manila 3rd District); Leila De Lima (Mamamayang Liberal Party-list); Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Reyes-Luistro (Batangas 2nd District); Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro Party-list); Jose Manuel 'Chel' Diokno (Akbayan Party-list); Ysabel Maria Zamora (San Juan City); Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro City 1st District); Jonathan Keith Flores (Bukidnon 2nd District); Lorenz Defensor (Iloilo 3rd District); Ramon Rodrigo 'Rodge' Gutierrez (1-Rider Party-list); and Arlene 'Kaka' Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands, Lone District).
Several members of the prosecution team are prominent legal figures in the country. Leila De Lima, who currently serves as Senior Deputy Minority Leader, is a former senator, secretary of justice, and chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights. Jose Manuel 'Chel' Diokno, currently Deputy Minority Leader, is one of the country's leading human rights lawyers and was formerly the chair of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Reyes-Luistro currently chairs the House Committee on Justice and has played a central role in some of the House's high-profile investigations.
Joel Chua, who heads the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, has led congressional investigations into issues involving confidential funds and corruption. Terry Ridon serves as chairperson of the House Committee on Accounts and has a background as a lawyer and broadcaster. Ysabel Maria Zamora is an Assistant Majority Leader with expertise in litigation, corporate law, and criminal law.
Lordan Suan chairs the House Committee on Public Information, focusing on social justice and poverty alleviation. Jonathan Keith Flores is a practicing lawyer and partner before entering politics. Lorenz Defensor, currently Senior Deputy Majority Leader, specializes in energy law and utilities regulation. Ramon Rodrigo 'Rodge' Gutierrez is focused on road safety and the welfare of Filipino riders and motorists. Arlene 'Kaka' Bag-ao, a human rights lawyer and agrarian reform advocate, was a former prosecutor during the Corona impeachment trial.
House leaders emphasized that the composition of the prosecution team reflects the chamber's commitment to upholding the Constitution and presenting the impeachment case with professionalism, integrity, and respect for due process.
