The House Committee on Justice will deliberate on whether to reject the entry of appearance of two lawyers representing Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment proceedings, according to Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon.
Speaking at a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday, Ridon reiterated concerns over a possible conflict of interest if lawyers Michael Poa and Reynold Munsayac are allowed to join Duterte’s defense team.
The lawmaker, who sits on the justice panel, earlier warned that their inclusion “raises serious ethical and procedural questions.”
Poa previously served as spokesperson of the Department of Education during Duterte’s tenure as education secretary, while Munsayac was spokesperson of the Office of the Vice President and assistant secretary for procurement.
“I think there is a real conflict there that needs to get called out if the two lawyers would be allowed,” Ridon told reporters.
He said both officials are directly linked to issues under investigation, including the use of confidential funds and procurement matters at the Department of Education.
“They could invoke lawyer-client confidentiality rule if they are allowed to enter appearance so I think we would rather reject their entry of appearance so we can openly invite them as resource persons and witnesses,” he explained.
Ridon said the committee is expected to discuss the matter during its meeting on Wednesday, March 18.
“What would happen is there’d be a motion to reject entry of appearance of the two lawyers that has to be discussed by the committee,” he added.