VP Sara’s Legal Team Expresses Confidence She Will Be Cleared of Charges

By ALEX

Five suitcases containing the formal response of Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team were submitted to the Senate on June 1, 2026, in connection with the impeachment case against her.

Following the submission, a press conference was held by VP Duterte’s legal team, led by Atty. Michael Poa, where they discussed the contents of their response and their position on the impeachment proceedings.

During the presscon, Atty. Poa said the summary of the papers submitted to the senate is about the infirmities they found in the case.

This includes alleged procedural lapses, inconsistencies, and issues that, according to them, may affect the validity of the proceedings. He emphasized that these concerns should be carefully examined to ensure that due process is observed and that all legal requirements are properly met.

“Ang summary po ng answer namin is we really set forth. Yung nasabi ko nga kanina, yung defenses ng Vice president, yung nakita nating infirmities duon sa naganap na committee on justice proceedings, Isa na dyan syempre yung sinasabi nating wala namang ebidensyang naka-attach sa mga impeachment complaints at yung nga ebidensyang umano na inilabas ay inilabas lamang o nakalap lamang doon sa committee procedings after we have already filed their answers before the committee on justice.”

He continued “Inaddress din namin yung bawat article, yung mga allegations bawat article. Inaddress din namin yan sa aming sagot.”

On behalf of the defense team, Atty. Poa assured that he will provide an executive summary to the media.

Atty. Poa is also hopeful that the Senate would fulfill its constitutional role and uphold fairness, independence, and adherence to the law throughout the impeachment proceedings, emphasizing that the process should be guided by evidence, due process, and the rule of law rather than political considerations.

“Ang ultimate prayer talaga namin eh madismiss yung articles of impeachment” Atty. Poa said. He added that the Vice President’s legal team remains confident that they will be able to demonstrate the alleged weaknesses and deficiencies in the impeachment complaint.

He also said that they already have potential witnesses in mind. However, he noted that they will only be able to determine which witnesses and evidence they need to present after the prosecution has laid out its case.

“Wala namang nagawang impeachable offense ang ating Vice presidente” Atty. Poa said, maintaining that the allegations against her lack sufficient legal basis.

To review the impeachment case against VP Sara Duterte, the following are the basis.

• Alleged misuse of confidential funds
• Alleged corruption and misuse of public funds
• Betrayal of Public trust
• Alleged threats against the President

These accusations form the core of the complaints filed, which will be evaluated by the appropriate impeachment body to determine whether they meet the constitutional standards for impeachment and warrant further proceedings in the Senate.