By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte has tapped lawyer Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr. as her new spokesperson, placing a member of her legal team in charge of communicating her positions to the media and the public.
The Office of the Vice President announced Panelo’s appointment on Wednesday, September 9, saying he would serve as Duterte’s official point of communication on matters concerning the vice president.
“In this capacity,” the OVP said, Panelo will represent Duterte’s views and positions while engaging with the media and the public on relevant issues.
The appointment gives Panelo a more prominent public role as Duterte faces several legal and political proceedings, including her ongoing impeachment case.
Panelo has already been closely involved in Duterte’s legal affairs. He served as her counsel in the perjury complaints she filed against Ramil Madriaga, who has made allegations involving the vice president.
Duterte filed a second perjury complaint against Madriaga in August, with Panelo accompanying her when she appeared before the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office.
Panelo has also been part of Duterte’s defense team in the impeachment proceedings. He has publicly discussed aspects of the legal team’s position, including its treatment of Madriaga as a potential witness.
His appointment comes after the Duterte camp underwent changes in its communications team.
Michael Poa, who had served as spokesperson for Duterte’s impeachment defense, stepped aside from the role after being identified as a witness in the proceedings. Defense counsel Justin Nicol Gular subsequently said he would serve as deputy spokesperson.
The search for a new spokesperson had been underway since late August, when Duterte’s defense team said it needed someone to take over media duties amid restrictions imposed by the Senate impeachment court on public discussions of the case.
Panelo now assumes the communications role as Duterte continues to navigate the impeachment proceedings and other cases involving her.
He is the son of lawyer Salvador Panelo, who served as chief presidential legal counsel and presidential spokesperson during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
With the OVP’s announcement, Paolo Panelo will now formally serve as the vice president’s principal public voice, responsible for communicating Duterte’s official positions and engaging directly with the media and the public.
ia/xf
