HOUSE Secretary-General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco on Wednesday assured the public that the legal team assisting the House impeachment prosecutors in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impending impeachment trial is composed of highly experienced professionals committed to upholding due process and the rule of law.
“The volunteer lawyers assisting the House impeachment team are not merely driven by anger, as some have suggested. Rather, they are dedicated to the cause of justice and public service,” Velasco said.
According to him, these legal professionals bring significant expertise that strengthens the House’s impeachment case.
“Many of them have extensive experience working with public prosecutors and have a deep understanding of the law. Their involvement is a testament to their commitment to upholding accountability and the rule of law,” he added.
Velasco also dismissed reports suggesting that the House engaged a particular law firm.
“Contrary to some reports, DivinaLaw is not among the private lawyers engaged by the House,” he emphasized.
“The legal team assisting our impeachment prosecutors is composed of seasoned professionals who are committed to ensuring that due process is followed.”
He reiterated the House’s commitment to transparency, due process and accountability, noting that the impeachment trial must be guided by legal principles rather than political narratives.
“We appreciate the unwavering support of legal experts and the broader public as we fulfill our constitutional mandate,” Velasco said.
The statement comes a day after Velasco inspected the Senate facilities allotted to the House prosecution panel ahead of the trial.
During the visit, he and his team toured the Senate session hall, where the trial will be conducted, and the Sen. Arturo M. Tolentino Room, which has been designated as the prosecution team’s office.
Velasco expressed gratitude to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and the Senate leadership for facilitating the House’s logistical preparations, which he said demonstrate a strong commitment to ensuring an orderly and fair impeachment trial.
“The professionalism and dedication of the Senate leadership and staff are commendable, and we at the House of Representatives value the spirit of inter-chamber cooperation in serving the Filipino people,” Velasco said.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez also commended Escudero and the Senate for their cooperation, emphasizing the importance of inter-chamber collaboration.
With the trial set to begin in June, the House leadership remains confident that the proceedings will be conducted with fairness, guided by legal principles and adherence to due process
