MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte wants defense spokesperson Michael Poa to remain on her legal team during her impeachment trial, prompting the defense to consider appointing a separate spokesperson who is not part of the team.
Poa said Wednesday that Duterte expressed her preference after Senate Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis Escudero renewed his warning against violations of the court’s sub judice rule during the 15th day of the trial.
“I already spoke to our client, the vice president, about it … and she would prefer really that I stay on as counsel,” Poa said at a press conference.
“So if ever, we will just have to get a spokesperson that is outside of the legal team,” he added.
Escudero previously urged both the prosecution and defense panels to designate spokespersons who are not members of their respective legal teams. He issued the recommendation on July 22 as the court sought to prevent counsels from making public statements that could violate trial rules.
Poa said the defense has yet to identify someone to take over as spokesperson.
“Because the pace of the past few days has been really fast. So, this is something we’ll have to explore further,” he said.
For now, Poa said he would continue serving as spokesperson, with fellow defense counsel Atty. Gular also helping with media engagements.
“I think we have to be extra careful with answering,” Poa said.
Rule 18 of the impeachment rules prohibits senators, prosecutors, the respondent, counsels and witnesses from making public comments or disclosures about the merits of a pending impeachment trial.
Escudero has repeatedly reminded the parties to observe the rule as the Senate continues proceedings against Duterte.