Poa steps aside from defense spokesperson duties pending testimony

September 1, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Lawyer Michael Poa has paused his duties as spokesperson of the defense in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial because he was summoned as a witness.

Poa, who was a Department of Education undersecretary when Duterte headed the department, is expected to testify on its use of confidential funds.

Deputy spokesperson Justin Nicol Gular said Poa found it proper to desist from speaking for the defense for now because of the subpoena.

“Common etiquette and proper decorum dictate that we respect the impeachment court and he needs to, at the moment, step aside from serving as the defense team spokesperson,” Gular said.

He said Poa has been staying at the holding room for subpoenaed witnesses during the trial, not at the defense holding room.

He also said Poa has halted communication with the defense since last week after it was announced that he would be summoned as a witness.