Atty. Michael Poa stated on Wednesday, August 26, that he is open to taking the stand as a witness in the upcoming impeachment proceedings for Vice President Sara Duterte after prosecutors requested the Senate impeachment court to call him.
Speaking in his capacity as the defense team’s spokesperson prior to Wednesday’s adjournment, Poa noted that he currently sees no grounds to object to the prosecution’s request.
However, he emphasized that he intends to consult with fellow defense panel members and await the court’s official ruling before making a definitive commitment.
“I don’t see any reason to oppose at this point. Of course, I’m speaking for myself as a spokesperson. I need to discuss this also with the rest of the team,” Poa said.
Poa affirmed that the defense panel will fully respect and comply with whichever decision the impeachment court issues regarding his potential presentation as a witness for the prosecution.
Following the prosecution’s motion to call him to the stand, Poa revealed that the legal team is evaluating options to appoint a new spokesperson to assume his current duties. While a replacement has yet to be selected, he acknowledged that stepping into the witness stand would necessitate designating someone to take over the role.
He explained that the ideal replacement should possess the ability to “laymanize”—or effectively simplify—the complex legal arguments and trial proceedings to ensure clear public understanding.
Poa pointed out that the role is not strictly limited to legal practitioners, noting that non-lawyers can communicate just as effectively with the public.