Sub judice effect: Sara’s defense team considers replacing Poa as spokesperson

POA. Defense counsel spokesperson Michael Poa holds a press conference at the Senate ahead of the impeachment proceedings, on July 8, 2026. Pool Photo via SPPA 'The option would be to look for another spokes. But in the meantime, since there's no new spokesperson yet, I will maintain my job as the spokesperson. But with the ruling now, I think I'll have to have a discussion with her (Duterte) again,' says Michael Poa The Senate impeachment court's sub judice ruling may lead to the replacement of Michael Poa as the defense spokesperson due to restrictions on discussing the case. Poa plans to discuss the ruling with Vice President Sara Duterte and acknowledges the need for a spokesperson who can effectively communicate the impeachment process. This is AI-generated. Read the article for full context. Report any errors. MANILA, Philippines – Apart from discouraging both House prosecutors and members of the defense team from giving media interviews, the Senate impeachment court’s sub judice ruling may also lead to the replacement of Michael Poa as defense spokesperson. Speaking to reporters, Poa said he will discuss the latest ruling with Vice President Sara Duterte, adding that the defense team will comply with it. The Senate impeachment court on Wednesday, August 26, reminded the parties of the sub judice rule or the principle that bars them from discussing the merits of the case. Presiding officer Chiz Escudero also told the parties about his earlier advice to designate different spokespersons who will not be restricted by the sub judice rule. “So, sa atin, medyo risky na rin talaga kasi (So, for us, it’s really a bit risky already),” the defense spokesperson said. “And there are times when your questions also would…put us in a corner to answer certain things that might delve into the merits. And it’s not your fault, right? But because of the ruling, I need to discuss the matter with the Vice President,” he added. Rule 18 of the Senate impeachment rules bars the presiding officer and senator-judges “from making any comments and disclosures in public pertaining to the merits of a pending impeachment trial.” This also applies to the House prosecutors, private prosecutors, members of the defense team, and to Duterte herself. Unlike the House prosecutors who have spokespersons who are not members of the prosecution team, the defense’s talking heads are concurrently serving as counsels. Poa is the spokesperson, while defense lawyer Justin Nicol Gular is his deputy. Poa said he has no replacement yet, but noted that the defense is looking for a spokesperson who can explain and laymanize the impeachment process well. “Someone who can really communicate well. And when we say communicate well, it means someone who can laymanize this very technical process,” he added. The defense spokesperson revealed he had laid out the options to Duterte the first time Escudero suggested picking spokespersons who are not members of the legal team. Poa told the Vice President he could remain as spokesperson, but he would have to leave the legal team, or remain as her lawyer and give up his spokesperson duties. “And her immediate answer was that she wants me as her lawyer,” said Poa. “The option would be to look for another [spokesperson]. But in the meantime, since there’s no new spokesperson yet, I will maintain my job as the spokesperson. But with the ruling now, I think I’ll have to have a discussion with her again,” he added in a mix of Filipino and English. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading