Paolo Panelo Clarifies Spox Role: 'For VP Sara Only, Not OVP'

Atty. Paolo Panelo on Thursday clarified that he will serve as spokesperson solely for Vice President Sara Duterte, and not the entire Office of the Vice President (OVP). “I am spokesperson for VP Sara only, not the OVP,” Panelo told GMA News Online, pointing out that he is not employed by the OVP. He also said that Atty. Michael Poa remains as spokesperson of the defense panel in the impeachment trial of the Vice President. Poa on Wednesday night confirmed that he remains as counsel and spokesperson only for the impeachment defense team. Panelo, meanwhile, said that he will also be commenting on impeachment matters “from time to time, as needed.” Asked if he will be attending the impeachment trial at the Senate, he said, “Right now, my plan is only to attend from time to time.” The OVP on Wednesday announced the appointment of Panelo as the new spokesperson for Duterte. “In this capacity, Atty. Paolo 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 said that Panelo is expected to make “important information more accessible, clear, and easier for the public to understand.” This clarification on the spokesperson's role suggests a nuanced adjustment in the OVP's communication strategy. In Philippine politics, the role of the Vice President and its associated public relations efforts often become focal points of public attention.