MANILA, May 14 -- House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez said Wednesday he would welcome the inclusion of former senator Leila de Lima and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno in the House prosecution panel for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte in the Senate.

Romualdez said De Lima and Diokno, both veteran lawyers, would strengthen the credibility of the case, which stems from allegations relating to Duterte's use of confidential funds.

"Former senator De Lima and Attorney Diokno are two of the most respected legal minds in the country. Their potential inclusion in the prosecution panel would add credibility, balance, and depth to this constitutionally mandated process," he said in a statement.

"They a...