Poa warns public against fake news involving VP Sara’s camp

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 25, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team has urged the public to verify information circulating online amid a series of false claims involving the Vice President and members of her legal team.

Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said he recently sought clarification directly from Duterte after seeing a social media report claiming that she had met, or was planning to meet, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Poa said Duterte confirmed that no such meeting or plan had taken place. Reports of a supposed meeting between the country’s two highest officials have also circulated amid Duterte’s ongoing impeachment trial.

Poa said he initially did not intend to respond to the claim, but decided to address it as the report gained attention online.

He compared the situation to an earlier viral claim that Duterte had allegedly thrown a laptop at him. Poa previously denied that incident, saying it never happened.

Poa also denied a statement circulating on social media that was falsely attributed to him and appeared to criticize Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, a member of the House prosecution panel in Duterte’s impeachment trial.

The fabricated quote made it appear that Poa had attacked Ridon over his comments regarding the defense team. Poa has denied making the statement, while Ridon has sought the assistance of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center over the fake quote cards.

Poa urged social media users to check whether information comes from legitimate sources before sharing or believing it.

He said the growing amount of false information online makes it increasingly important for the public to scrutinize posts and verify their authenticity.