A surge of private attorneys have volunteered their services free of charge to assist in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong.
Adiong, who serves as a spokesperson for the House prosecution panel, noted that the overwhelming response from the legal community underscores the heightened public interest and critical constitutional questions surrounding the case.
“There are a lot of lawyers, private lawyers that have come up and approached the House prosecution team to offer their services pro bono to be part of the team,” Adiong said. “There are some private prosecutors who have already been decided to take part and be active, meaning to say they are now included as part of the prosecution team.”
The lawmaker shared that the panel is currently evaluating the volunteers to finalize the official lineup of external legal talent joining the team.
“There will be some sort of evaluation… in order that they can actually decide and determine the number of private prosecutors that will be welcome and be included in their list of prosecutors,” he explained.
As the panel ramps up its preparations, the core House prosecution team remains focused on organizing its strategy.
The congressional lineup includes House Committee on Justice Chairperson Gerville Luistro (Batangas, 2nd District), alongside Representatives Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro Party-list), Rodge Gutierrez (1-Rider Party-list), Ysabel Maria Zamora (San Juan City Lone District), Lorenz Defensor (Iloilo, 3rd District), Chel Diokno (Akbayan Party-list), Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal Party-list), Jonathan Keith Flores (Bukidnon, 2nd District), Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro City, 1st District), and Joel Chua (Manila, 3rd District).