Michael Poa tapped as Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial spokesperson

Michael Poa (PHOTO: RTVM / PCO website)

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte announced Wednesday that lawyer Michael Poa will act as the spokesperson for her defense team during her impeachment trial.

“Atty. Michael Poa, he is the spokesperson for the defense team. So any questions about the impeachment, you can direct it to him and then he will give you an interview,” Duterte said in a media interview.

Poa also served as Duterte’s spokesperson in the Office of the Vice President, as well as the Department of Education during her stint as education secretary.

He is among the 16 lawyers in Duterte’s defense team as the vice president is set to face the Senate impeachment court amid accusations of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

She is facing trial after being impeached by the House of Representatives way back Feb. 5. /gsg