Michael Poa refutes post online attacking prosecution

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense counsel spokesperson Michael Poa on Tuesday debunked a circulating statement attacking Rep. Terry Ridon that he said was falsely attributed to him.

Poa was referring to posts online incorrectly containing what was supposedly his response to Ridon’s comment regarding the defense team in Duterte’s impeachment trial.

READ: Sara Duterte trial: No controversy when Poa defended VP – Ridon

In a statement, Poa stressed that he never made any disrespectful statement against the prosecution and has always remained respectful toward opposing parties in the impeachment proceedings.

“I wish to clarify that a statement circulating on social media, purportedly attributed to me as a response to Rep. Terry Ridon, is not true. I never made or issued that statement,” said Poa.

“While Rep. Ridon and I may find ourselves on opposing sides in the impeachment proceedings, I have always endeavored my statements to be respectful, professional and focused solely on the issues. I would therefore not want words that I did not say, particularly statements directed personally against him, to be attributed to me,” he added.

Meanwhile, Poa called on social media pages to take down the false posts. /mr