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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte wants Poa to remain as counsel; defense may seek outside spokesperson

Duterte wants Poa to remain as counsel; defense may seek outside spokesperson

Published Aug 13, 2026 07:18 am

At A Glance

  • VP Sara Duterte wants Michael Poa to remain as part of her legal team as counsel.
  • The defense has yet to identify or talk to a prospective separate spokesperson.
  • Poa will continue handling media briefings for now, with Atty. Gular assisting him.
Defense Spokesperson lawyer Michael Poa said Vice President Sara Duterte prefers that he remain as her counsel, even if the Senate impeachment court requires the defense to designate a separate spokesperson. (Manila Bulletin/file)
Defense Spokesperson lawyer Michael Poa said Vice President Sara Duterte prefers that he remain as her counsel, even if the Senate impeachment court requires the defense to designate a separate spokesperson. (Manila Bulletin/file)
Vice President Sara Duterte prefers that Atty. Michael Poa remain part of her legal team as counsel, even as the impeachment court has suggested getting a separate spokesperson for the defense.
Poa, during a post-trial press briefing on August 12, said he had already discussed the matter with Duterte about two weeks ago and that the Vice President wanted him to continue serving as her counsel.
“I think I'm free naman to disclose that she would prefer talaga that I stay on as counsel,” Poa said.
If the court ultimately requires the defense to designate a separate spokesperson, Poa said they would have to look outside the legal team.
However, he said the defense has yet to identify or even speak with a prospective spokesperson.
“Sa ngayon wala pa kaming nakukuha or kinakausap man lang wala pa po talaga” (“As of now, we haven't found anyone or even talked to anyone yet),” Poa said, adding that the past few days had moved quickly.
Poa to continue media briefings for now
For the meantime, Poa said he would continue handling media briefings, with Atty. Gular helping him with media rounds.
He acknowledged, however, that speaking to the media has become increasingly difficult due to restrictions imposed by the Senate's impeachment rules.

Related Tags

Sara Duterte Michael Poa impeachment trial Senate impeachment court Sara Duterte defense team
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