The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte is exercising greater caution when dealing with the media as the Senate impeachment trial progresses, with defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa saying it has become difficult to discuss the case without risking a violation of the court’s rules.

During a post-trial press briefing on August 12, Poa said the defense wants to provide the public with information about its position but must carefully navigate the restrictions under Rule 18 of Senate Resolution No. 39, which governs the impeachment proceedings.

“Napakahirap po talaga. I was just interviewed this morning also by one of the radio shows. It was very difficult for me to answer questions (It is really very difficult. I was interviewed by one of the radio shows this morning, and it was very difficult for me to answer questions),” Poa said.

“As much as possible, I'd like to give you something to report on, but I'm tied by Rule 18 of Resolution 39, which is the rules on impeachment sa Senate (in the Senate),” he added.

Poa later acknowledged that the defense may eventually need a spokesperson who is not part of the legal team if balancing media responsibilities and compliance with the impeachment rules becomes too difficult.

He said both the defense and prosecution were also trying to stay within the bounds of the rules when dealing with the media.

Poa likewise declined to disclose the defense’s position on allegations involving the use of confidential funds, saying the issues would be addressed when the defense presents its evidence-in-chief.

He said Atty. Kristine Ferrer’s cross-examination of a witness on the confidential funds had specific objectives, including establishing what was stated in the Commission on Audit’s (COA) Notice of Disallowance and what was not included in the document.

“We have to establish certain things, we have to establish certain facts, we have to show kung ano yung nasa (what is included in the) Notice of Disallowance at wala sa (and what is not included in the) Notice of Disallowance,” Poa said.

Asked about the defense’s argument concerning whether the confidential funds were disallowed, Poa declined to discuss the details.

He also refused to confirm or deny whether certain individuals mentioned in the proceedings were aliases, saying the issue would be tackled during the presentation of the defense’s evidence.

“Pagdating sa (Regarding the) aliases, whether they are aliases or not, I hope you would give me some latitude here to not say anything first because we'll have to wait for our evidence-in-chief,” he said.

Poa said he was also unable to answer questions raised by Senator-Judge Bam Aquino on the matter, even though he understood the senator’s line of questioning.

He likewise declined to discuss the defense’s response to allegations involving multiple disbursements, saying these matters would form part of its evidence-in-chief.

“We cannot do that right now… because it will be part of our evidence-in-chief,” Poa said.

The defense’s decision to withhold details comes as the Senate impeachment court continues its proceedings and the defense prepares to present its evidence on the allegations against Duterte.