Vice President Sara Duterte has tapped Atty. Salvador Paolo A. Panelo Jr. as the new spokesperson of the Office of the Vice President, putting a lawyer already closely involved in her legal battles at the center of her public communications.
The OVP announced the appointment on September 9, saying Panelo will serve as the vice president’s official point of communication and will represent her views and positions while engaging with the media and the public. The office said it expects him to make important information more accessible, clear and easier for Filipinos to understand.
The appointment comes at a politically sensitive time for Duterte, who is facing an impeachment trial and several legal and political controversies.
From Duterte’s legal counsel to her official voice
Panelo is not new to Duterte’s camp.
Before becoming spokesperson, he served as one of Duterte’s legal counsels, including in the perjury complaints filed against Ramil Madriaga, a former aide who has made allegations involving the vice president.
During the impeachment proceedings, Panelo has publicly defended Duterte’s position and challenged Madriaga’s credibility.
In August, he said Madriaga could potentially become a “star witness” for Duterte’s defense if presented during the impeachment trial, arguing that the defense could use Madriaga’s testimony to undermine the allegations against the vice president.
That legal role gives Panelo an unusual starting point as a spokesperson: he is not simply a communications professional stepping into the job, but an attorney who has already been directly involved in some of the controversies surrounding Duterte.
He is the son of former Duterte spokesman Salvador Panelo
Paolo Panelo also comes from a name already familiar in Philippine politics.
He is the son of Salvador Panelo, who served as former President Rodrigo Duterte’s chief presidential legal counsel and presidential spokesperson.
The younger Panelo, however, has built his own legal career.
According to his law firm’s published profile, he became a lawyer in 2011 after taking the 2010 Philippine Bar Examinations, where he reportedly finished just one point short of the top 10 scores. He began his legal career at Migallos and Luna Law Offices.
In 2016, he worked simultaneously as a senior associate at the law firm and as a consultant and acting chief of staff to the chief presidential legal counsel in Malacañang.
He eventually established Panelo Law Office in 2018.
The firm describes itself as a full-service law practice covering areas including corporate and commercial law, taxation, litigation, banking and finance, labor, intellectual property and family law.
His legal work extends beyond Sara Duterte
Panelo has also represented other members of the Duterte family.
In January 2026, he signed a filing before the Supreme Court as counsel for Veronica “Kitty” Duterte in consolidated habeas corpus cases involving former President Rodrigo Duterte. The filing asked the Supreme Court to address questions surrounding the former president’s detention and alleged rendition to the International Criminal Court.
This means Panelo’s involvement with the Duterte camp is broader than his work for Vice President Sara Duterte.
Why his appointment matters now
The timing of Panelo’s appointment is significant.
Duterte is facing an impeachment process that has generated intense political and legal debate. Her camp has repeatedly pushed back against allegations involving her confidential funds and other accusations, while the prosecution has continued presenting its case.
GMA previously reported that Panelo has acted as Duterte’s legal counsel in the perjury complaint involving Madriaga, while the broader impeachment proceedings continue to develop.
His new role therefore places him in a position where legal arguments, political messaging and media strategy will increasingly overlap.
As spokesperson, Panelo will be expected to explain Duterte’s positions to the public, respond to questions from journalists and defend the vice president’s side on issues that could have major political consequences.
And because he has already been outspoken as her lawyer, his statements are likely to receive close scrutiny.
A new voice for Sara Duterte
The OVP’s announcement describes Panelo as the official communication point for the vice president.
He replaces Atty. Ruth Castelo, who previously served as Duterte’s spokesperson.
For Duterte’s camp, the choice brings someone who already understands the legal battles surrounding the vice president and has experience dealing with high-profile political issues.
For the public and the media, however, it also raises an important question:
Will Paolo Panelo remain primarily a lawyer defending Sara Duterte’s legal position — or will he become the political communicator who defines how the vice president’s camp responds to its biggest challenges?
That distinction could become increasingly important as Duterte’s impeachment proceedings and other legal controversies move forward.
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