Former DepEd exec Michael Poa calls VP impeachment trial ‘fair’ despite heated cross-exam

Former Department of Education (DepEd) Chief of Staff Michael Poa described the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as "fair," despite facing a demanding cross-examination after taking the witness stand.

Poa, who also served as DepEd undersecretary and spokesperson under Duterte, testified on Day 21 of the Senate impeachment trial regarding his former role in the agency.

Speaking to reporters after the day's hearing, Poa emphasized that he preferred to remain objective throughout the process. "I am okay. I just wanted to thank the prosecution, si Attorney Tolosa," Poa said. "I think, naman, everything that happened today was quite fair, and I would like to thank him for that."He also expressed gratitude to lead defense counsel Sheila Sison for representing their team during the session.

Poa’s testimony was marked by a sharp clash between prosecution counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr. and Sison inside the impeachment court.During his questioning,

Tolosa referred to Poa as a "lawyer that knew nothing," prompting an immediate objection from Sison, who moved to strike the remark from the record.

Tolosa clarified his statement, explaining that he meant "walang alam" specifically in the context of Poa’s limited personal knowledge regarding the handling and disbursement of confidential funds.

Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero ultimately sustained Sison’s objection.

Following the exchange, Escudero appealed for public patience, noting that the complex nature of the issues under review can make the trial difficult to follow.

-Paraluman News