Poa denies agreeing with Panelo over 'lokohan' remark

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Lawyer Michael Wesley Poa, spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team, on Tuesday denied agreeing with Duterte's spokesperson Paolo Panelo, who described as a joke the Senate impeachment court's ruling on the basis for determining the voting threshold for her conviction.

Poa was referring to Panelo's remarks to reporters on September 23, when the latter said the impeachment court's ruling was a "joke" and claimed that Poa shared his sentiments.

"That's not true. Actually, just to set the record straight, I didn't agree with him on anything as to lokohan (a joke) or anything like that," Poa said in a press briefing.

"I always maintained candor with all of you. I always maintained respect to the court," he added.

Poa said any disagreement with the court's decision should be addressed through the proper legal process, not through media interviews or informal discussions.

Senator-judges voted 13-1-6 to set the conviction threshold at two-thirds of those legally allowed to participate in the proceedings.

This means Duterte could be convicted with fewer than 16 votes, as several senators are facing charges, remain in hiding or are on medical leave.

The defense team is considering appealing the Senate impeachment court's ruling before the Supreme Court.

After the impeachment court issued its ruling last week, Panelo said he and Poa believed the decision was a "joke."

Panelo told reporters: "Nung nag-usap naman kami kanina parang agree kami doon sa nangyari na lokohan lang 'to, lokohan na itong nangyayari. Kaya posible silang umakyat sa Korte Suprema. Pero hindi ko narinig actually kung ano sinabi niya sa press briefing."

(When we talked to each other earlier, it seemed like we agreed that what happened was just a farce, that what is happening is a joke. That's why it's possible they'll elevate it to the Supreme Court. But I actually didn't hear what he said at the press briefing.)

For his part, Poa said he had already messaged Panelo about the statement and asked him why he had made such remarks.

“I messaged him personally and basically asked him why he said that. Well, I will just leave it at that. He is the spokesperson of the vice president, but I will not allow my name to be dragged into something that I had nothing to do with,” Poa said.

"He assured me that it won't happen again," he added.— MCG, GMA News