MANILA, Philippines — A dramatic turn could be looming in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as one of her own defense lawyers, former Department of Education (DepEd) official Atty. Michael Wesley Poa, is expected to testify as a prosecution witness next week.
The development comes as the Senate impeachment court moves deeper into allegations involving the handling of confidential funds during Duterte’s tenure as Education secretary — placing a key figure who once worked closely with her administration at the center of the proceedings.
House prosecutors said they intend to present Poa and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Assistant National Statistician Marizza Grande when the trial resumes on September 2. Lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro said Poa’s testimony is expected to focus on the alleged disbursement of ₱112.5 million in DepEd confidential funds during Duterte’s time at the department.
A Defense Lawyer — and Now a Prosecution Witness?
Poa’s expected appearance is particularly notable because he is currently part of Duterte’s defense team. He previously served as a DepEd undersecretary and spokesperson during Duterte’s leadership of the department, giving him firsthand knowledge of the agency’s operations during the period under scrutiny.
But Senate impeachment court Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero indicated that a subpoena may not even be necessary, noting during the proceedings that Poa was already present and willing to testify. The prosecution’s request was made during the 19th day of the impeachment trial on August 26, meaning his expected testimony could become one of the major developments as the case enters its next phase.
Poa had previously said he was open to taking the witness stand, provided questions did not involve matters protected by his role as Duterte’s legal counsel. In June, he said he saw no problem with testifying on matters unrelated to privileged communications with the Vice President.
Why Poa’s Testimony Could Matter
The prosecution is seeking to establish what happened to confidential funds allocated to DepEd during Duterte’s tenure as secretary. The broader impeachment case includes allegations involving the handling of confidential funds, along with other accusations that Duterte has denied and described as politically motivated.
Grande, meanwhile, is expected to testify on whether individuals identified as recipients in confidential-fund liquidation documents can be verified through government records, according to reports from the ongoing proceedings.
The upcoming testimony could therefore provide prosecutors with another opportunity to connect documentary evidence with the people and procedures involved in the disbursement of the funds.
However, being called as a witness does not by itself establish wrongdoing or determine the outcome of the impeachment case. Poa will be subject to questioning and cross-examination, and Duterte’s defense team will have the opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and interpretation of events.
The Stakes Continue to Rise
The impeachment trial of Duterte is one of the most consequential political proceedings in recent Philippine history. She faces allegations that include the misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and corruption, and alleged threats against top government officials. Duterte has denied wrongdoing, while her camp has consistently maintained that the proceedings are politically motivated.
A conviction would require the support of at least two-thirds of the 24-member Senate, or 16 votes. The outcome could also have major implications for Duterte’s political future and the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2028 elections.
For now, attention is turning to September 2 — and to the possibility that a lawyer sitting on Duterte’s defense panel could soon take the witness stand for the prosecution.
What exactly will Michael Poa reveal about the handling of DepEd’s confidential funds? The impeachment court may soon have its answer.
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