De Lima joins Robredo’s legal team

Senator-elect Leila de Lima has joined the legal team of Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo as they expect a tight legal battle with Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. over the vice presidency.

De Lima is now the overall consultant of Robredo's legal team, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal announced in a press conference at the Liberal Party's headquarters in Quezon City on Monday afternoon.

De Lima was an election lawyer first before she became chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights in 2008 and secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2010.

He resigned from the DOJ in October 2015 as she formalized her bid for the Senate.

Macalintal said De Lima volunteered for the job.

He said De Lima called him up and asked if he can be part of Robredo's legal team.

"I was very glad when she called me up," Macalintal said.

Macalintal clarified that De Lima is not yet bound by Senate rules since she has not officially assumed office.

De Lima, along with 11 winning senatorial candidates, were proclaimed by the Commission on Elections last Friday. —ALG, GMA News