Ridon to Sara Duterte: Keep Poa on defense team, he's your best lawyer
Vice President Sara Duterte would be making a serious mistake if she lets lawyer Michael Poa go from her defense team amid an internal squabble, according to Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon. Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Ridon, who sits on the public prosecution team, said Poa is simply the most capable and the kindest member of the defense panel.
“Well siya na nga 'yong pinaka-magaling do'n eh, siya na 'yong pinaka-mabait do'n. So tingin ko, I think it will serve the vice president well for him to continue being part of the defense,” Ridon said, mixing English and Filipino as is common in our halls of power.
In plain terms: Poa is the best they have, and dropping him would only weaken an already embattled defense.
What sparked the tension inside Duterte's camp?
The question came after lawmakers noticed an apparent rift between Poa and Duterte spokesperson Atty. Paolo Panelo Jr. On Wednesday, Poa publicly distanced himself from Panelo's claim that the Senate Impeachment Court's ruling on the minimum votes needed for conviction was a “farce.”
Poa said he has always “maintained respect for the court” and believes any disagreements should be settled through proper petitions, not public attacks.
Ridon could not help but wonder aloud whether the Vice President's camp even has a group chat, given how far apart Poa and Panelo's statements were.
“You know, in so many words and with respect to Michael Poa of course, wala ba silang GC? 'Di ba? I don't think it serves the defense well kung nagbabarahan sila in the full view of the public,” he said.
Translation: contradicting each other in public is not a good look for any legal team.
Prosecution sees Poa as the steady hand
Prosecution spokesperson Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said Poa's cautious approach makes sense given his role.
“I think the position of Atty. Poa is because he's been part of the defense panel of the respondent, so he's more cautious, careful about describing anything that would insult the integrity of the court. So naintindihan natin 'yong position niya, that's why hindi siya nag-agree sa mga gano'ng utterances,” Alonto Adiong explained.
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega also noted the contrast in personalities. He said Poa's respect for the court is evident in every interaction, while the other lawyer seems to take a different approach.
This is not the first time the prosecution has praised Poa. Even Presiding Officer and Senator-Judge Francis Escudero commended Poa and public prosecutor Chel Diokno for their gentle and respectful exchanges during oral arguments on the request to subpoena Duterte's bank records. After those arguments, Poa walked over to Diokno and shook his hand. Classy move, many observers noted.
Poa keeps his cool even under pressure
Ridon also pointed out that there was none of the drama when Poa handled cross-examination for the defense, unlike the heightened tensions between prosecution counsel Lorna Kapunan and defense counsel Kristine Ferrer back on August 12.
Poa was the one who cross-examined state auditor Roderick Wamil. He raised objections during Kapunan's direct examination, including when she poked fun at the names on acknowledgment receipts for Duterte's confidential expenses. But even then, the exchanges stayed light, and no tempers flared.
Earlier, on August 21, Ridon said he would coordinate with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to check social media posts that used fake quotes attributed to Poa. One Facebook page, Central Luzon News Update, claimed Poa had called Ridon an “empty can” that makes the loudest noise. Poa debunked that quote, saying he has never made disrespectful statements against the prosecution and has always remained respectful toward opposing parties.
Why this matters for the impeachment proceedings
For those following the impeachment case, this internal discord is more than just political gossip. A defense team that cannot present a united front risks undermining its credibility before the Senate Impeachment Court. Poa's reputation for professionalism has been a rare bright spot for the defense, and losing him would not only hurt the Vice President's case but also remove a voice of reason from the proceedings.
As Ridon put it, Poa is the best they have. The question now is whether Sara Duterte will listen.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Michael Poa in the Sara Duterte impeachment case?
Michael Poa is a lawyer on Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team. He has been praised by both the prosecution and the presiding officer for his respectful and professional demeanor in court.
What did Terry Ridon say about Poa?
Ridon said Poa is the most capable and kindest member of the defense panel and that removing him would be a loss for the Vice President. He also questioned why Poa and Panelo seem to contradict each other publicly.
Why is there tension between Poa and Panelo?
Poa denied sharing Panelo's view that the Senate Impeachment Court's ruling on the minimum votes for conviction was a “farce.” Poa said he respects the court and believes disagreements should be resolved through petitions.