Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team for impeachment proceedings at the House justice committee includes prominent lawyers from the Fortun, Narvasa and Salazar firm, alongside two of her spokespersons, an arrangement now drawing scrutiny from lawmakers.
The team filed its Appearance Ad Cautelam (for caution) on March 9, with signatories from Fortun, Narvasa and Salazar: Philip Sigfrid Fortun, Gregorio Narvasa II, Sheila Sison, Carlo Joaquin Narvasa, Justin Nicol Gular, David Ronell Golla VII, Lindon Miguel Bacquel, Karol Grace Oroceo, Clarlaine Radoc, Francesca Marie Flores, and Miguel Carlos Fernandez.
Also tapped to represent Duterte are Department of Education former spokesperson Michael Poa and Reynold Munsayac, her former spokesperson and current executive director of her father’s PDP Laban party. Other members of the team include lawyers Mark Vinluan, Ralph Bodota, and Roberto Batungbacal.
But Bicol Saro Party-List Rep. Terry Ridon, a member of the justice committee, flagged a potential conflict of interest in the inclusion of Poa and Munsayac. He argued that their prior roles as spokespersons may place them in a position where they are both advocates and possible witnesses.
“As spokespersons, they were directly involved in explaining and defending the use of confidential funds. If they have first-hand knowledge of the transactions or decisions under scrutiny, they may eventually have to testify under oath,” Ridon said.
He noted that Poa, as DepEd spokesperson, repeatedly defended the use of confidential funds before the public, while Munsayac, as OVP spokesperson and former DepEd assistant secretary, may also hold material knowledge.
“If the proceedings determine that Mr. Poa or Mr. Munsayac has relevant information, the proper course would be for them to testify rather than serve as counsel,” Ridon added.
The impeachment complaints against Duterte focus on her office’s use of confidential funds in the OVP and DepEd in 2022 and 2023. Duterte has denied wrongdoing, claiming the allegations are politically motivated ahead of her 2028 presidential plans. (JCNE)
