Meet Justin Nicol Gular: Spox of Sara Duterte’s impeachment defense team

DEPUTY SPOX. Justin Nicol Gular is the deputy spokesperson of Vice President Sara Duterte's defense impeachment team. A lawyer, Gular is the deputy spokesperson of the defense team, serving alongside spokesperson Michael Poa The impeachment defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte has picked another talking head in the person of lawyer Justin Nicol Gular. Gular represents the defense team in speaking to members of the media, alongside spokesperson Michael Poa. Gular’s designation was announced by Poa on July 14. The deputy spokesperson is part of the original list of lawyers from the Fortun, Narvasa, and Salazar (FNS) law firm, which was supposed to defend Duterte in her 2025 impeachment. However, these proceedings were cut short when the Supreme Court declared the 2025 articles of impeachment unconstitutional. When Duterte was impeached again in May, Gular remained to be part of the defense team led by Sheila Sison. He has been attending the trial that started on July 6. Who is Gular and what is his expertise? A lawyer from Cebu Born in 1995, Gular is currently a senior associate at the FNS law firm. He specializes in the following tracks: Corporate and Commercial Practice and Corporate Rehabilitation Family and Estates Labor Litigation and Dispute Resolution Projects, Mining, and Natural Resources He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of San Carlos. He got his juris doctor degree from the USC as well. Gular passed the 2020/2021 Bar Examinations, dubbed the “Best Bar Ever,” and chaired by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen. It was among the most historic bar exams due to its high passing rate – 72.28% — or 8,241 passers out of 11,402 takers. Instead of the traditional top 10, the Supreme Court released a list of passers who got an exemplary grade (85% to 90%) and excellent list (90% and higher). Gular is one of the 761 passers recognized in the exemplary list. Screenshot/ Supreme Court of the Philippines He was admitted to the Bar in June 2022, with Roll No. 83103. Activist turned lawyer His full name is Justin Nicol Baguio Gular and he’s a native of Liloan, Cebu. According to his law firm’s profile, Gular pursued law due to his passion for social justice. He was an activist. “I guess growing up, I’ve always had an inclination towards the concepts of justice, rights. And in fact, I was a student activist back in my college days. So that’s primarily the reason why I ventured into law school and had an inkling for law in general,” the lawyer told Rappler. Gular is also a seasoned debater. He was a three-time Grand Champion in ANC Square Offs: The Firm Debate. The FNS law firm said this marks the most wins in the competition’s history. If there’s an advantage that televised debating has given Gular, it’s familiarity with how the media works, according to him. As a lawyer, Gular said his firm has taught him that there’s no big or small case. It was instilled in him that a lawyer’s duty is to always be consistent — regardless of the client, regardless of the novelty of the case. Probably, the impeachment is one of the biggest cases Gular has handled so far. He acknowledges, too, that it’s a big challenge for him and fellow counsels. “Well, the challenge is really doing your best to represent the client. That includes studying all relevant laws, all relevant documents, and probably adjusting to the fact that it’s publicized to some extent…. But I think what the public should do is just really listen and understand the proceedings,” the counsel told Rappler. “But I’ll be honest, this is an entirely new experience. I’m learning along the way, and I’m humble enough to recognize that the responsibility is heavy. But I could also learn from many, from the media, from my peers, and even the spokesperson from the opposing side,” he added. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading