MANILA, Philippines — Defense counsel Atty. Michael Poa firmly distanced himself from recent comments made by Atty. Paolo Panelo regarding the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, clarifying that he never endorsed describing the process as “lokohan” (a farce).
Speaking to reporters during a post-trial press briefing on Tuesday, September 29, Poa addressed reports linking him to the statement, emphasizing his desire to clear his name and maintain boundaries between his legal duties and political commentary.
”That’s not true. Just to set the record straight, I didn’t agree with him on anything as to ‘lokohan’ or anything like that,” Poa stated.
Poa explained that while Panelo acts as the Vice President’s general spokesperson, his own legal responsibility is strictly focused on handling the impeachment defense team.
He added that he directly reached out to Panelo to question the statement after learning about it.
”Kung magkakaroon man kami ng petition sa Supreme Court, that is actually a matter that I addressed. Kasi nung nalaman ko yun, I messaged him personally to basically ask him bakit may ganong nasabi,” Poa recalled.
While declining to share the full details of their private exchange out of courtesy, Poa confirmed that he accepted Panelo’s explanation and reiterated that he avoids political interference.
”I don’t meddle in politics. I don’t meddle in anything else. Well, hindi ko na lang siguro i-disclose ’yan kasi out of respect to him rin. But I accept his explanation,” he added.
Poa concluded by highlighting the distinct division of responsibilities between the two spokespersons.
”So, sa kanya is being the spokesperson of the Vice President and sa akin is really just focus on impeachment. Ako, alam ko yung boundaries ko,” Poa said.