PASAY CITY, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte is maintaining steady contact with her legal counsel to guide what she can publicly discuss while her impeachment trial before the Senate is underway, according to defense team spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa.
Speaking at a post-trial press briefing at the Senate on Monday, September 21, Poa disclosed that the defense team routinely advises Duterte to ensure her public commentary does not breach the sub judice rule or trigger a contempt citation.
“Constant naman po yung communication namin ng ating kliyente, ang vice president,” Poa said.
Poa stated that he has directly reviewed specific topics with the Vice President to differentiate between issues that are safe to discuss publicly and those that risk crossing restrictions under sub judice guidelines.
“And hindi ko naman i-deny na nagkaroon na ng pag-uusap between myself and the vice president on what I think is skirting sub judice, skirting contempt,” he explained.
He noted that Duterte has been cooperative and regularly reaches out to her defense lawyers whenever she is uncertain about whether a potential remark might violate judicial restrictions.
“At very receptive naman po ang ating Vice President,” he said.
“So may mga bagay naman kaming napag-usapan na kung sasabihin mo ito, palagay ko, this will be covered by sub judice. At kung sasabihin mo naman yung ibang bagay, I don’t think naman sub judice ’yan,” he added.
Addressing calls for strict adherence to conduct during the trial, Poa agreed that any potential infractions ought to be called out regardless of who commits them.
“Tama naman. I think to be fair, kahit ako dapat pag meron akong maling nasabi dapat ma-call out,” he added.
He emphasized that restrictions governing ongoing judicial proceedings must apply universally to all participants, including members of the defense.
“Tama naman na dapat maging patas at basta may paglabag dun sa Rule 18 or yung sub judice rule, dapat lahat tayo maging covered noon, including the defense, including myself,” he added.
Poa made these statements as proceedings in the Senate continue, with the defense panel preparing to present its evidence.