Vice President Sara Duterte has officially designated corporate and litigation lawyer Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr. as her new spokesperson, formalizing his role as her main liaison to the public and the media.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) confirmed the designation on Wednesday, September 9, highlighting that Panelo will serve as the official point of communication to articulate Duterte’s stances and convey her official statements.
“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Atty. Paolo Panelo as the spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte,” the OVP said.
“In this capacity, Atty. Paolo will serve as the official point of communication, representing the views and positions of the Vice President and engaging with the media and public on relevant matters,” the agency added.
“We warmly welcome Atty. Paolo to the role and look forward to his engagement in making important information more accessible, clear, and easier for the public to understand,” the statement read.
Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Panelo accepted the responsibility on social media, affirming his readiness to perform the duty.
“Isang malaking karangalan ang maglingkod bilang kanyang tagapagsalita,” Panelo said.
“Handa akong gampanan ang tungkuling ito sa abot ng aking makakaya, at nang may pagmamahal sa bayan na tanda ng kanyang paglilingkod,” he added.
Panelo, the son of former Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, earned his law degree with honors from Arellano University School of Law in 2010 and passed the Bar Examinations the following year.
He began his career at Migallos and Luna Law Offices before founding his own full-service legal firm in 2018. Over his career, he has garnered multiple legal award nominations for managing partner and dispute resolution attorney of the year.
Prior to his appointment as spokesperson, Panelo represented Duterte in specific legal proceedings, including perjury complaints filed against former aide Ramil Madriaga regarding allegations over confidential funds.
The expansion of his role into official communications comes as the Vice President navigates pending legal matters, including an impeachment process and a recent court appearance involving grave threats charges.