Defense speaker Atty. Michael Poa on Thursday said the political affiliations of members of Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team do not affect their work in the impeachment proceedings, following the circulation of social media posts showing that one of the lawyers had supported former Vice President Leni Robredo in the 2022 presidential elections.

Poa made the statement after being asked about viral posts by fellow defense lawyer Atty. Justin Gular, which reportedly showed his endorsement of Robredo during the 2022 campaign.

“I don’t see anything wrong with political affiliations. I don’t see how it affects the case,” Poa said.

He said the defense team remains focused on carrying out its responsibilities as lawyers and presenting facts before the Senate impeachment court.

“In fact, it shows that we are professionals and we are doing our jobs as best as we can without any political leanings,” he said.

Poa added that the defense lawyers are working to demonstrate that the allegations against Duterte are baseless.

He also dismissed concerns that Gular’s political affiliations could affect the working relationship among members of the defense team.

“There’s no reason why that should affect the dynamic within the defense team. I don’t know who voted for who sa defense team. That has never been an issue, it’s not even an issue with the vice president, so I don’t see why that should be an issue between us,” Poa said.

Poa expressed confidence in his colleagues, saying they have worked together for the past two years and that he has no reason to question their capabilities or commitment to the case.

“I have full confidence with the team I’m with. We’ve been working the trenches for the past two years together,” he said.

“I have no reason to doubt anyone’s capability or even their willingness to help us in this case.”