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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Public opinion could shape VP Sara's Senate impeachment trial, defense says

Public opinion could shape VP Sara's Senate impeachment trial, defense says

Published Jul 4, 2026 02:24 pm

At A Glance

  • The defense said public opinion could influence the political dimension of Vice President Sara Duterte's Senate impeachment trial.
  • Atty. Michael Poa said the defense strategy includes helping the public understand the impeachment process.
  • Duterte's appearance during the Senate trial will depend on developments and her legal team's advice.
Defense spokesman Atty. Michael Poa says public opinion may affect how Vice President Sara Duterte’s Senate impeachment trial is perceived, while maintaining that senator-judges should decide the case based on evidence. (Mark Balmores / Manila Bulletin)
Defense spokesman Atty. Michael Poa says public opinion may affect how Vice President Sara Duterte’s Senate impeachment trial is perceived, while maintaining that senator-judges should decide the case based on evidence. (Mark Balmores / Manila Bulletin)
The defense team of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte said public opinion could play a significant role in her Senate impeachment trial, even as it expressed confidence that senator-judges would decide the case based on the evidence.
Defense spokesman Atty. Michael Poa, in a recent interview, said impeachment differs from ordinary court proceedings because it has both legal and political dimensions.
“Impeachment is really difficult—you have to look at the legal, but you also have to be careful about public opinion,” Poa said. “We know, as politicians, the judges can be swayed by public opinion, in one way or another,” he added.
Defense says legal strategy includes public perception
Poa said Duterte’s lawyers are equally conscious that public perception may influence how the impeachment proceedings are understood and received.
“That’s why we’re very conscious of the fact na ito, sabi nga nila (as they say), sui generis, both legal and political,” he said.
“But also sui generis meaning both legal and public perception. That’s why it’s very important that in your legal strategy, embedded doon yung aware ka na public opinion will come into play,” he added.
He said the defense also wants the public to understand the trial process, noting that legal proceedings can become too technical for ordinary viewers.
“Ang isang hangarin natin is really maipaliwanag sa public kung ano ba yung proseso (One of our goals is really to explain to the public what the process is),” Poa said.
“In a court setting, things tend to get a bit too technical. I think that’s very important,” he added.
Defense says it is confident in its case
Poa said the defense is confident in Duterte’s case and would seek to present a strong enough legal defense that even senator-judges who may be politically opposed to the Vice President would find it difficult to rule against her.
“We are confident with our own case, with our own defense,” he said. “Our job is to make it difficult, even to those who are politically averse to the Vice President, to decide otherwise,” he added.
Poa said the defense still gives senator-judges the benefit of the doubt that they would remain politically neutral and follow their sworn duty.
“We also want to give judges the benefit of the doubt that their sworn oath is to be politically neutral and to give their verdict based on the evidence,” he said.
Duterte expected to follow legal advice
Poa said Duterte remains in good spirits and has long anticipated facing impeachment proceedings.
“The Vice President is in good spirits kasi hindi na bago sa kanya ito, itong mga batikos na ito (because these criticisms are not new to her),” he said.
He said Duterte had anticipated as early as 2023 that an impeachment complaint could be filed against her, prompting the early formation of a defense team.
Poa said Duterte’s appearance during the trial would depend on developments in the proceedings and the advice of her legal team.
“Kung kinakailangan (If needed),” he said when asked whether Duterte would personally attend the trial.
“You can never require the Vice President to do anything; she has her own mind when it comes to things, but she listens to advice,” Poa said. “Sa amin (For us), we will advise her accordingly,” he added. 
RELATED STORY: 
https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/03/vp-sara-duterte-impeachment-trial-defense-ready-for-july-6-eyes-surprise-witnesses

Related Tags

Sara Duterte impeachment trial VP Sara Duterte defense Michael Poa Senate impeachment trial public opinion and impeachment
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