Sara Duterte Impeachment trial: Who is Rep. Chel Diokno?

MANILA, Philippines — Lawyer and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel Tadeo “Chel” Diokno is among the House prosecutors in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

On Monday, the 24th day of the proceedings, Diokno leads the direct examination of the prosecution’s witness for Article II, which accuses Duterte of betrayal of public trust over alleged unexplained wealth.

For the rest of the presentation on Article II, Diokno will alternate with fellow House prosecutor Rep. Terry Ridon as lead prosecutor.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Escudero lauds Poa, Diokno for calm oral arguments on VP’s tax records

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

During the earlier parts of the trial, Diokno, along with his opposing counsel Michael Poa, was recognized by the presiding officer for the “calm” and “gentlemanly” manner in which they debated whether the impeachment court could subpoena the vice president’s bank and tax records.

A human rights lawyer, educator and advocate for justice and democracy, Diokno is the son of former Senator Jose Diokno and grandson of Supreme Court Justice Ramon Diokno.

He earned his law degree from the University of the Philippines and a Master of Laws from Northern Illinois University.

Diokno likewise served as the former chair of the Free Legal Assistance Group (Flag), and the founding dean of the De La Salle College of Law.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Everything you need to know

He was elected to the House of Representatives in the 2025 elections as the first nominee of the Akbayan party-list.

Article continues after this advertisement

Diokno has so far co-authored 120 bills and is the principal author of 223 bills in Congress./ dp