LIVE UPDATES: Sara Duterte impeachment trial | Sept. 2, 2026

Lead defense counsel Sheila Sison underscored COA’s credit notice covering DepEd’s P75 million confidential funds during her brief cross-examination of fellow defense counsel and former DepEd chief of staff Michael Poa. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/leuqu2AjJv

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Former DepEd chief of staff Michael Poa says it is possible that he could be held liable if Vice President Sara Duterte is proven guilty of misusing her agency’s confidential funds. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/58nKqYKwcyWatch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/s1uryLfY0z

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Former DepEd chief of staff Michael Poa he did not see fictitious or unusual names when he reviewed liquidation documents for DepEd’s confidential funds. He says he only knew of the names like “Mary Grace Piattos” when they were shown during the House panel hearings. #VPonTrial… pic.twitter.com/s09X2X6d5h

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Former DepEd chief of staff Michael Poa says Vice President Sara Duterte approved the agency’s response to COA’s audit observation memorandum on its use of confidential funds. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/58nKqYKwcyWatch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/7t5fXbExZ5

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Former DepEd chief of staff Michael Poa admits that he did not know about the transfer of confidential funds to a security officer at the time he was preparing the reply for COA’s audit observation memorandum. He notes his was even unaware there was a security office role in… pic.twitter.com/Gzbx0CuIv0

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Defense counsel and former DepEd chief of staff Michael Poa takes the witness stand on the 21st day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial as the prosecution presents its case on the alleged misuse of confidential funds.Here are the key moments from the proceedings… pic.twitter.com/GQvkE4Jl9O

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Why did VP Sara Duterte pick Michael Poa to answer questions from the COA about DepEd secret funds if he did not know about the operations?

‘HINDI KO MA-IMAGINE’Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros questioned Atty. Michael Poa’s claim that he was unaware his department had a security officer, which was Col. Dennis Nolasco, and only learned about it during a House of Representatives hearing in October 2024. #VPonTrial… pic.twitter.com/flmLyQgH1Q

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

WATCH: Defense lead counsel Sheila Sison says they cannot yet ascertain how much time they will need to present their evidence without seeing first the entire presentation of the prosecution panel. #VPonTrial | @bellepechayINQ Follow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/S7kPIHWjHH

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

‘WE WILL RESPECT IT IF THAT’S REALLY THEIR PLAN’Defense lead counsel Sheila Sison reacts to the possibility of the prosecution team skipping the presentation of bribery charges against VP Sara Duterte after Rep. Joel Chua announced they are considering it. #VPonTrial |… pic.twitter.com/HMAQeKgUIs

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Lead House prosecutor Gerville Luistrosaid they may no longer present the testimony of former DepEd special disbursing officer Edward Fajarda.

Alonto Adiong, meanwhile, said that the public should also understand that Tolosa was faced with a unique situation in the impeachment trial

The Senate impeachment court is considering holding whole day proceedings for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial in October.

Presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero announces changes in impeachment trial schedule, subject to confirmation next week:October 1, 2, 5, 9, 12 and 15: whole day from 10 a.m.November 9 and 16: whole day from 10 a.m.Normal programming resumes November 23. #VPonTrial… pic.twitter.com/SFPLc0v1DB

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

In fact, Poa even said that when he was instructed to respond to an audit observation memorandum or AOM from the Commission on Audit

Poa said that the curious names in the acknowledgment receipts of DepEd did not surface until the House panel’s inquiry into the funds. 

Former DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa made this confirmation as a hostile witness  in the  impeachment trial

Atty. Michael Poa declines to answer Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros’ question on whether Vice President Sara Duterte’s use of confidential and intelligence funds at the OVP and DepEd complied with the law, citing attorney-client privilege and saying any answer from him would be… pic.twitter.com/QdyWPAQ0An

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Tolosa showed Poa transcripts of the hearings when he was present, wherein he said that only two individuals knew…

Former DepEd Chief of Staff Michael Poa says he only saw acknowledgment receipts bearing names such as "Mary Grace Piattos" during the House panel hearings.He says that when AOM-related documents were being submitted, former DepEd SDO Edward Fajarda handed him packets… pic.twitter.com/GT5K7HrGFL

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Atty. Michael Poa says it is “innate” for an employee to protect their boss as long as it is legal and within their capacity, in response to Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo’s question about his responsibilities under the then Vice President Sara Duterte-led DepEd. #VPonTrialFollow… pic.twitter.com/QzehuzCH0h

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

‘WALA NAMAN NAGTATAGO NG KATOTOHANAN DITO’Atty. Michael Poa maintains that DepEd complied with the joint circular on informant rewards, citing the absence of any COA finding that the payments lacked approval from the head of the agency, Vice President Sara Duterte. #VPonTrial… pic.twitter.com/mMIpQz0rGZ

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Defense counsel and former DepEd Chief of Staff Michael Poa confirms that the department did not provide confidential funds for the Philippine Army’s youth leadership summits. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/58nKqYKwcy​Watch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/O1au8reVre

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Defense counsel Michael Poa says not all information paid for with a reward must immediately result in a successful operation.Poa acknowledges that his answer was based only on his understanding of the rules. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/58nKqYJYn0… pic.twitter.com/B19ZX8aSYR

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

“I briefed her on all my answers to the AOM, and she just said okay.”Defense counsel and former DepEd Chief of Staff Michael Poa says Vice President Sara Duterte knew the contents of his reply to the COA's audit observation memo on the use of confidential funds. #VPonTrial |… pic.twitter.com/uVlzPkLdIf

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Defense counsel Sheila Sison objects to prosecution counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr.’s use of “abogadong walang alam” in his offer of testimony for Atty. Michael Poa.Tolosa apologized and clarified the remark, which Presiding Officer Francis Escudero eventually struck from the… pic.twitter.com/YmrW13kRht

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Prosecution counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr. asks Michael Poa when he learned that DepEd SDO Edward Fajarda had transferred the confidential funds to security officer Col. Dennis Nolasco.Poa, a former DepEd chief of staff, says he first learned about it during a House panel hearing… pic.twitter.com/ha1mTR8veP

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Former Department of Education Chief of Staff Michael Poa says not all purchased info would immediately lead to success.

DAY 21LOOK: Former Department of Education spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa takes the witness stand as a hostile witness presented by the House prosecution panel during the 21st day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial at the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday, Sept.… pic.twitter.com/ffjux9HwKr

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

LOOK: Atty. Benjamin Toloso Jr. and Atty. Michael Poa share a moment after the prosecution and defense teams clash over what Atty. Shiela Sison tagged as an improper remark against Poa, who was presented as a hostile witness on the 21st day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s… pic.twitter.com/4VsgxAUb5s

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — What happens when a defense lawyer becomes a witness for the prosecution team  in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte?  At the witness stand on the 21st  day of the trial on Wednesday is Duterte’s defense lawyer and spokesperson Michael Poa, with  private prosecutor Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr.  conducting the […]

The direct examination of Michael Poa as one of the prosecution’s hostile witnesses in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial…

‘I WOULD SAY GUIDANCE’Atty. Michael Poa says Vice President Sara Duterte provided him with “guidance” on what to say before doing interviews during his time as DepEd spokesperson. Poa also acknowledged having a direct reporting relationship with Duterte. #VPonTrialFollow our… pic.twitter.com/8SuHtgi5hJ

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

‘HINDI LAHAT NG IMPORMASYON MAGLI-LEAD SA SUCCESS?’Prosecution counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr. and lead defense lawyer Shiela Sison clash over whether informants can be paid even if their information does not lead to a successful operation. Presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero… pic.twitter.com/IXtDCxO8Z7

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Defense lead counsel Sheila Sison reacts to the prosecution’s offer of testimony for Michael Poa, presented by prosecution.

Prosecution counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr. received a scolding from the Senate impeachment court for engaging in “intramurals”

Lead defense counsel Sheila Sison handles the defense’s side during the prosecution’s direct examination of fellow defense Michael Poa on Day 21 of the impeachment trial. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/58nKqYJYn0​Watch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/38vy4vcgkM

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Michael Poa, one of Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense lawyers for her impeachment trial, takes the stand as one of the prosecution’s

Defense counsel Michael Poa takes the witness stand on Day 21 of the impeachment trial. He was called by the prosecution to testify on Article I, which alleges the misuse of confidential funds.Poa is a former DepEd chief of staff and undersecretary who served from 2022 to 2024,… pic.twitter.com/QRNHFiYxrP

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

POA: NOT EVERY PIECE OF INFO MUST LEAD TO SUCCESSDefense counsel and former DepEd Chief of Staff Michael Poa says his interpretation of the COA joint circular does not require every piece of information paid for with a reward to immediately or individually result in a… pic.twitter.com/ggnGEGfkf0

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Lawyer Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. is one of the private lawyers assisting the House prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. He also serves as the prosecution team’s spokesperson.On Day 21, Tolosa leads the direct examination of Michael Poa, a… pic.twitter.com/MwCYNgA3qR

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Prosecution lawyer Benjamin Tolosa Jr. asks the impeachment court to declare lawyer Michael Poa a hostile witness.

Former Department of Education Chief of Staff Michael Poa is sworn in as a witness in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Atty. Sheila Sison serves as the lead counsel of Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense counsel as she faces the Senate impeachment court

‘ABOGADONG NAGKAKAROON NG TAGISAN NG TALINO’Presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero appealed for patience and understanding amid the exchanges between counsels as Atty. Michael Poa takes the witness stand on Day 21 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.… pic.twitter.com/uoZNrI306M

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

‘ABOGANDONG WALANG ALAM’Atty. Shiela Sison objected to prosecution counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr.’s “abogadong walang alam” remark, calling it improper and asking that it be stricken from the record.Tolosa apologized to Atty. Michael Poa and clarified that he meant Poa’s… pic.twitter.com/yjoTwgvSFE

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

'ABOGADONG WALANG ALAM?'Lead defense counsel Sheila Sison took exception to the prosecution’s 13-point offer of testimony, calling parts of it “rhetoric aimed to provide drama” in the proceedings.Sison specifically objected to the phrase “abogadong walang alam,” asking that… pic.twitter.com/8aRiCLmiXg

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense counsel Michael Poa was declared by the Senate impeachment court as a hostile witness

The House prosecution panel is considering skipping the bribery case against Vice President Sara Duterte, Rep. Joel Chua said

Lawyer Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. is among private lawyers assisting the House prosecution panel in Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Prosecution counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr. asks the impeachment court to declare Atty. Michael Poa a hostile witness, citing a 13-point offer of testimony. #VPonTrial | @AprBenjaminINQ Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/58nKqYKwcyWatch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/GRMArleCME

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

The prosecution called Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense counsel and former DepEd Chief of Staff Michael Poa to the witness stand as it presented its case on Article I, which alleges the misuse of confidential funds. #VPonTrial | @AprBenjaminINQ Follow our live updates… pic.twitter.com/foKCtb7Lot

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

DAY 21: The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumes on Wednesday, September 2.A quorum has been declared, with 17 senator-judges present. #VPonTrial | @AprBenjaminINQ Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/58nKqYKwcyWatch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/88h9KwHau8

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

In an effort to hasten the proceedings, Rep. Joel Chua says the prosecution is considering skipping the presentation of the bribery allegations against VP Duterte & instead proceed with Article II, which concerns Duterte’s alleged amassing of unexplained wealth. #VPonTrial |… pic.twitter.com/STmkJWaKCn

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

'I WILL BASICALLY BE NARRATING WHAT I KNOW’

Defense counsel and former DepEd chief-of-staff Atty. Michael Poa, who will testify as prosecution witness on Wednesday, answers questions from the media ahead of the 21st day of VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. #VPonTrial |… pic.twitter.com/8zGGCXPyMn

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense counsel and former Department of Education (DepEd) Chief of Staff Michael Poa is scheduled to testify on Wednesday, September 2. #VPonTrial

READ MORE: https://t.co/CE1oObw8mT pic.twitter.com/6w2k7o9vAD

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2026

Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense counsel and former DepEd Chief of Staff Michael Poa is scheduled on Wednesday as a hostile witness.

The Philippine Army received no money from the OVP, DepEd, or the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group for two youth programs.