A House leader has raised concerns over former DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa’s inclusion in Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team, suggesting it is a strategic move to prevent him from testifying in her upcoming Senate impeachment trial.
House Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre of the Tingog party-list stated on Tuesday that Poa’s appointment as co-counsel in Duterte’s legal team allows him to invoke attorney-client privilege, potentially shielding him from providing testimony.
“This is another attempt to deflect,” Acidre said. “With this move, I believe they are preventing Poa from testifying in the impeachment court and telling the truth.”
Duterte’s Camp Responds
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) responded to the allegations, stating that Poa is no longer part of their office, and that any questions regarding his role should be directed to him.
GMA News has reached out to Poa for comment and will update once a response is available.
Poa’s Role in OVP’s Confidential Fund Inquiry
During a House inquiry in October 2024, Poa testified that he instructed a former DepEd undersecretary to secure certifications from military units to justify the P15 million confidential funds spent by the OVP in 2023.
He maintained that he acted in good faith in responding to a Commission on Audit (COA) memorandum questioning the expenditure.
“I had a lot of responsibilities in DepEd, including complying with COA’s audit observation,” Poa explained.
Poa later served as spokesperson for VP Duterte but testified in November 2024 that his contract had already been terminated.
The Impeachment Case Against VP Duterte
Duterte faces an impeachment complaint, which her legal team has petitioned to nullify. The House of Representatives has been conducting inquiries into the OVP’s confidential fund spending, a key issue in the case.
Critics argue that Poa’s new role in Duterte’s defense could complicate the impeachment proceedings and delay key testimonies.