VP Duterte's Defense Team Disputes 'Farce' Claims Over Senate Ruling

MANILA — Michael Poa, a spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte's defense counsel, on Tuesday denied claims attributed to fellow spokesperson Atty. Paolo Panelo Jr. regarding their supposed agreement on the Senate impeachment court's recent ruling.

Panelo had made public statements characterizing the Senate impeachment court's decision to modify the two-thirds conviction threshold against the Vice President as "just a farce." Poa's denial suggests disagreement with both Panelo's characterization and the assertion that the two defense team members shared this view.

The Senate impeachment court had previously ruled on adjusting the conviction threshold required for Vice President Duterte's potential removal from office. The modification sparked debate within legal and political circles regarding its validity and implications for the impeachment proceedings.

The dispute within the defense team's spokesperson ranks highlights divisions in how the Vice President's legal camp is responding to recent court decisions in the high-profile impeachment case. Both Poa and Panelo serve as official representatives for the defense, tasked with communicating the team's position to media and the public.