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....
Noting that lawyers simply have different courtroom styles, defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa downplayed the apparent tension between defense lawyer Kristine Ferrer and prosecution counsel Lorna Kapunan during the impeachment trial on August 12. Asked about Ferrer’s conduct during the...
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) still has legal remedies available if the Commission on Audit (COA) upholds a Notice of Disallowance involving its funds, defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said. Poa explained the process during a press briefing following the 15th day of Vice President...
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...
Senate Impeachment Court presiding officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Wednesday, August 5, ruled that there is no conflict of interest on the part of Michael Poa, serving as defense counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial despite his participation in a 2023 meeting with the...
Commission on Audit (COA) auditor Roderick Wamil’s testimony on Vice President Sara Duterte 's alleged confidential funds misuse remained unrebutted, private prosecutor Benjamin "Jay" Tolosa Jr. said. Tolosa gave this assessment ahead of day 13 of respondent Duterte 's Senate...
House prosecutor Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon described as "irregular" and "improper" the alleged request of Vice President Sara Duterte 's subordinates for the Commission on Audit (COA) to temper its actions on the audit of confidential funds. Ridon was referring to COA auditor...
Noting that the prosecution has yet to establish its allegations, the defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, August 4, reiterated that there was "no misuse" or misappropriation of the Office of the Vice President 's (OVP) confidential funds. Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael...
Recognizing that both the prosecution and the defense have been given equal opportunities to present their arguments, the defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, Aug. 4, said the Senate impeachment court has been fair in handling the proceedings. Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael...
The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, August 4, disputed claims that she was the first vice president in Philippine history to receive confidential funds, saying such assertions are misleading and inconsistent with historical records. Speaking to reporters after the day...
Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) officials purportedly asked the Commission on Audit (COA) to issue a less formal “audit query” instead of an Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) over deficiencies in the agencies’ confidential fund submissions, a COA...
Noting that it would be premature to discuss the matter while the Senate impeachment trial remains in the prosecution 's presentation of evidence, the defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, August 3, declined to comment on issues involving "Mary Grace Piattos." Defense...
