Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team rejected reports claiming she had requested or scheduled a private meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., confirming that no such effort, discussion, or plan ever existed.
Speaking at a media briefing, defense panel member and acting spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa stated that he initially doubted the report’s credibility and felt reluctant to bring it up with the Vice President.
However, after directly raising the matter with Duterte, both agreed to explicitly denounce the assertion as unverified chatter.
“I had a chance to talk with the Vice President,” Poa shared, explaining that he anticipated questions regarding the reported meeting from the press.
Duterte endorsed his proposal to publicly address and dismiss the story. When asked if any efforts had been made behind the scenes to coordinate a one-on-one session between Duterte and Marcos, Poa maintained that no such arrangement was ever brought to his attention.
“None that I know of. Never naming napag-usapan. Wala siyang nabanggit sa akin,” he clarified.
Poa secured approval from the Vice President to publicly debunk the circulating report, with Duterte personally verifying that no meeting took place nor was any scheduled.
“Walang ganung pangyayari o walang ganung plano,” he added.
Refraining from speculating on the motives behind the rumor, the defense team instead urged the public to practice greater critical thinking regarding online information.
“Dapat mas maging mapagmatiyag tayo sa nakikita natin sa socmed,” Poa advised. “Try to find out kung legitimate yung sources kasi ang dami na talagang fake news na kumakalat.”
The defense panel’s statement coincides with ongoing impeachment proceedings against Duterte, as her legal representatives prepare to present their arguments before the tribunal.
Stressing that the public has primarily heard the prosecution’s side so far, the team asked for patience until the defense takes its turn to introduce evidence.
“We will have to wait when we present our evidence in chief,” Poa stated.