Ex-Duterte spokesman co-counsel for petition vs impeachment trial

Metro Manila, Philippines - Vice President Sara Duterte’s former spokesman is now among the counsels in the petition against her impeachment trial, the Supreme Court (SC) said on Monday, March 3.

Michael Poa had served in the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education. He quit the OVP last year amid a House inquiry on the vice president’s supposed mismanagement of confidential funds.

“We are confirming that Atty. Michael Poa filed his entry of appearance as co-counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte,” the SC told reporters in a message.

In February, Duterte filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition before the SC to block the Senate’s looming impeachment trial against her.

Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, was listed as a counsel as well.

With 215 complainants, the House of Representatives impeached the vice president on Feb. 5.

The Senate, meanwhile, is eyeing July 30 as the start of the impeachment trial.