Fact Check: Sara Duterte's Spokesperson Role Clarified Amidst Speculation

Amidst circulating social media speculation about a change in spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte, a fact-check by Rappler Philippines has clarified the situation. While lawyer Michael Wesley Poa did step down as Duterte's spokesperson, this occurred on November 5, 2024, and he continues to serve as her legal counsel and the spokesperson for her defense team in her impeachment trial. The speculation gained traction following reports on September 9 that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) had appointed lawyer Paolo Panelo as its new spokesperson. In a September 10 interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel, Poa addressed social media conjecture that he had been replaced or removed from Duterte's team. He explained that his consultancy contract as spokesperson was pre-terminated in November 2024 as a "mutual decision," citing difficulties in facing the media without losing objectivity. At the time, Poa was a resource person in a House panel probe into the OVP's alleged misuse of funds. Separately, Poa temporarily stepped aside as counsel and spokesperson for the Vice President's defense team on September 1 to take the witness stand in the impeachment trial. He became one of the prosecution's hostile witnesses, called to testify on Article I of the impeachment articles concerning Duterte's alleged misuse of confidential funds. During the trial, Poa testified about the use of P112.5 million in confidential funds by the Department of Education (DepEd). He stated that during his tenure as DepEd undersecretary and chief of staff, he prepared the agency's response to the 2024 Commission on Audit findings on DepEd's use of confidential funds. However, he claimed ignorance regarding Duterte's security officer, Colonel Dennis Nolasco, handling the funds. Poa clarified that his involvement in the confidential funds issue began upon receiving the audit memorandum and that he relied on other officials' reports to respond to COA's inquiries on the use of the funds. Source: Rappler Philippines