Paolo Panelo Appointed New Spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte

Attorney Paolo Panelo has been appointed as the new spokesperson of Vice President Sara Duterte, replacing Ruth Castelo, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) announced. This is not the first time Panelo will be working with Duterte, as he also serves as legal counsel for the Vice President in connection with the multiple perjury complaints filed against her. Panelo is the son of Salvador Panelo, who served as presidential legal counsel and spokesperson for former President Rodrigo Duterte. The younger Panelo founded his own law firm, the Panelo Law Office, in 2018. He began his legal career with the Migallos and Luna Law Offices in 2011 after passing the Bar exam. In 2016, Panelo also worked as a consultant and acting chief of staff to his father under the Office of the President. Panelo graduated with a degree in Development Studies from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2005. He began his law studies at the Ateneo Law School before completing them at the Arellano University School of Law in 2010. As the newly appointed spokesperson, Panelo "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 OVP said. The OVP also stated that Panelo is expected to make "important information more accessible, clear, and easier for the public to understand."