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Advocates Philippines
4 Veteran Lawyers Join House Impeachment Prosecution Team
Photo credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines
The House prosecution panel handling the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte has been strengthened with the addition of four veteran lawyers who will serve as private prosecutors ahead of the Senate trial.
The new members of the legal team are former Supreme Court spokesperson Theodore O. Te, lawyers Reynaldo B. Robles, Arnold H. Labay, and Mae S. Divinagracia. Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has also joined the panel as an additional spokesperson and impeachment adviser.
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima introduced the new members during a press conference, saying they bring extensive experience that will help the prosecution prepare for the constitutional proceedings.
“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,” de Lima told reporters in a press conference.
“This impeachment trial is not an ordinary legal engagement; it is a constitutional proceeding where preparation, discipline and fidelity to the evidence matter deeply,” she said in a statement.
“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,” De Lima said.
Among the new prosecutors, Te brings experience in constitutional litigation, human rights advocacy, legal education, and public communication. He previously served as the Supreme Court's chief public information officer and currently chairs the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) on an interim basis.
Robles, founding and managing partner of Chan Robles & Associates, has practiced in criminal, civil, corporate, labor, election, and tax law, while also serving as a legal and legislative consultant in the Senate.
Labay, a certified public accountant and senior partner at Chan Robles & Associates, has decades of experience in litigation and legal education. Divinagracia, meanwhile, has handled commercial, civil, criminal, labor, and family law cases and previously worked in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of ACCRALAW before becoming managing partner of her own law firm.
Barbers will serve as an additional spokesperson and impeachment adviser, bringing years of experience in public service and legislation. He previously served as governor of Surigao del Norte and as a six-term member of the House of Representatives, where he chaired several key committees.
According to the prosecution panel, the expanded legal team is expected to strengthen trial preparation, enhance the presentation of evidence, and help the public better understand the impeachment proceedings before the Senate impeachment court.
The new members of the legal team are former Supreme Court spokesperson Theodore O. Te, lawyers Reynaldo B. Robles, Arnold H. Labay, and Mae S. Divinagracia. Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has also joined the panel as an additional spokesperson and impeachment adviser.
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima introduced the new members during a press conference, saying they bring extensive experience that will help the prosecution prepare for the constitutional proceedings.
“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,” de Lima told reporters in a press conference.
“This impeachment trial is not an ordinary legal engagement; it is a constitutional proceeding where preparation, discipline and fidelity to the evidence matter deeply,” she said in a statement.
“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,” De Lima said.
Among the new prosecutors, Te brings experience in constitutional litigation, human rights advocacy, legal education, and public communication. He previously served as the Supreme Court's chief public information officer and currently chairs the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) on an interim basis.
Robles, founding and managing partner of Chan Robles & Associates, has practiced in criminal, civil, corporate, labor, election, and tax law, while also serving as a legal and legislative consultant in the Senate.
Labay, a certified public accountant and senior partner at Chan Robles & Associates, has decades of experience in litigation and legal education. Divinagracia, meanwhile, has handled commercial, civil, criminal, labor, and family law cases and previously worked in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department of ACCRALAW before becoming managing partner of her own law firm.
Barbers will serve as an additional spokesperson and impeachment adviser, bringing years of experience in public service and legislation. He previously served as governor of Surigao del Norte and as a six-term member of the House of Representatives, where he chaired several key committees.
According to the prosecution panel, the expanded legal team is expected to strengthen trial preparation, enhance the presentation of evidence, and help the public better understand the impeachment proceedings before the Senate impeachment court.
Jun 30, 2026
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