VP Sara wants me to remain as her legal counsel — Michael Poa

MANILA, Philippines —Defense spokesperson Michael Poa said Wednesday that Vice President Sara Duterte wants him to stay as her legal counsel in her impeachment trial, and this would mean a spokesperson outside the defense team may soon be appointed.

Poa announced this after Senate Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis Escudero reiterated his warning against violating the court’s sub judice rule, or Rule 18 of the impeachment rules, during the 15th day of Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Escudero had earlier urged the prosecution and defense panels on July 22 to consider designating spokespersons who are not part of their respective legal teams.

“I already spoke to our client, the vice president, about it … and she would prefer really that I stay on as counsel,” Michael Poa said at a press conference.

“So if ever, we will just have to get a spokesperson that is outside of the legal team,” he added.

However, Michael Poa said the defense team has yet to find a prospect for the post.

“Because the pace of the past few days has been really fast. So, this is something we’ll have to explore further,” he added. “So in the meantime, I’ll have to stay on as spokesperson with, of course, Atty. Gular also helping me to do the rounds, but I think we have to be extra careful with answering.”

Under Rule 18 of the impeachment rules, members of the Senate, prosecutors, the respondent, counsels, and witnesses are prohibited “from making any comments and disclosures in public pertaining to the merits of a pending impeachment trial.” /mcm

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