House Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list on Tuesday raised concerns over the inclusion of former Department of Education (DepEd) spokesperson Michael Poa in Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team, suggesting it may be a strategic move to prevent him from testifying in the upcoming impeachment trial.
Acidre pointed out that Poa, who also served as spokesperson for the Office of the Vice President, holds crucial knowledge regarding Duterte’s use of confidential funds. However, his new role in the defense team could allow him to invoke lawyer-client confidentiality, potentially shielding him from testifying before the impeachment court.
“Well, ako, kung ako tatanungin, medyo inaasahan ko na rin na gagawing kasama ng legal team si Atty. Mike Poa kasi sa totoo lang ho, pwede po silang magtago sa … principle ng lawyer-client confidentiality,” Acidre, who chairs the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, said in a Zoom press conference.
He added that the move appears to be another attempt by Duterte’s camp to avoid addressing unanswered questions regarding the alleged misuse of public funds.
“Makikita po natin ang isa na namang attempt to deflect. Kung totoohanin na gusto talaga ni Atty. Mike Poa, na kaibigan natin, na sabihin ang totoo, mayroon silang pagkakataon nung panahon ng investigation sa (Committee on) Good Government,” Acidre said.
‘Raises More Questions’
House Assistant Majority Leader Pammy Zamora of Taguig echoed Acidre’s concerns, saying Poa’s inclusion in the legal team only fuels more doubts.
“On my end, hindi naman siya bago. It’s nothing new to us. Si former spokesperson Michael Poa, matagal naman na siyang part ng kanilang official family. Kahit na may pinagdaanang time na umalis siya, wala naman kaduda-duda na parte siya,” Zamora said.
She recalled that Poa previously distanced himself from discussions on confidential funds, claiming they were beyond his scope as DepEd spokesperson. Now, with his new role in Duterte’s legal team, Zamora expects him to provide clear answers.
“So, ngayon kung may mga tanong na hindi niya masagot noon, excited kami kasi at least sabay-sabay nating malalaman. Dati may mga hindi siya masagot patungkol sa confidential funds, hindi daw siya parte … So ngayon, I’m very excited na parte siya ng impeachment team ni VP Sara. Then we get to hear the correct answers from them,” she added.
Legal Strategy or Cover-Up?
Acidre, however, remains skeptical, emphasizing that Poa’s involvement in Duterte’s defense could be a deliberate tactic to prevent him from testifying.
“Sa tingin ko, sa hakbang na ito na ginawa ng kampo ni VP Duterte, ito ay isang paraan para pigilan si Mike Poa na tumestigo sa impeachment court at magsabi ng totoo,” he said.
Despite these concerns, Acidre said the ultimate test will be whether Poa chooses to uphold transparency or political loyalty.
“Titignan natin kung ano ang mangingibabaw sa puso ni Atty. Mike—kung ang bayan o politika,” he added.
The impeachment trial against Duterte stems from allegations of corruption, including the questionable use of confidential funds during her tenure as DepEd Secretary. Lawmakers continue to push for transparency in the allocation and spending of these funds.