Politics · Philippines Bureau
Duterte's defense counsel seen as key figure in impeachment trial
Lawmakers have identified Vice President Sara Duterte's defense counsel Michael Poa as a central figure in her ongoing impeachment proceedings, citing his previous role as her spokesperson at the Department of Education.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Lawmakers have raised questions about the dual role of Michael Poa in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, noting that his position as her defense counsel creates complications given his prior experience as her spokesperson at the Department of Education.
Poa is scheduled to take the witness stand for the prosecution as the Senate impeachment court examines allegations against Duterte. Lawmakers said on Monday that his background in the DepEd gives him a unique and potentially problematic position in the proceedings.
The identification of Poa as a central figure underscores the interconnected relationships between key players in the high-profile case. His previous tenure as Duterte's official spokesperson means he may have direct knowledge of events and decisions under scrutiny in the impeachment trial.
The proceedings continue to draw significant attention as the Senate impeachment court weighs serious allegations against the Vice President. The involvement of individuals with overlapping roles in both the executive branch and the trial has become a subject of legislative discussion.