House Secretary General Reginald Velasco (left), Vice President Sara Duterte (PPAB)

A dedication to justice--and not anger--is the prime motivation of the volunteer private lawyers who will be assisting the 11-member House prosecution team that will seek to unseat Vice President Sara Duterte in her upcoming Senate impeachment trial.

Thus, said House Secretary General Reginald Velasco in a statement Wednesday afternoon, March 19, a day after he led the lower chamber's inspection of facilities at the Senate ahead of the anticipated trial.

Velasco said the private lawyers were 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,” he said.

According to House official, 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 did not identify the private lawyers.

DivinaLaw has no participation

He, however, denied reports suggesting that the House engaged a particular law firm in prosecuting the Vice President.

“Contrary to some reports, DivinaLaw is not among the private lawyers engaged by the House,” he said.

Velasco reiterated the House’s commitment to transparency, due process and accountability, as he noted 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.

During the Tuesday's inspection, 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 House prosecution team is composed of Manila 3rd district Rep. Joel Chua, Batangas 2nd district Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, Bukidnon 2nd district Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, San Juan lone district Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon, Antipolo City 2nd district Rep. Romeo Acop. 4PS Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan, General Santos City lone district Rep. Loreto Acharon, Oriental Mindoro 1st district Rep. Arnan Panaligan, and Iloilo 3rd district Rep. Lorenz Defensor.