Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa respects the legal opinion of the amici curiae regarding the voting threshold in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, whether it favors their side or not.

“We really welcome all the opinions and of course, the positions given not only by the amici that were present kanina, but also of Chief Justice Davide who sent his position via memorandum,”

“It really provides us an insight not only with the current constitution, but even the historical perspective,” he added

Atty. Poa also explained that various opinions and interpretations of the laws can be normal and common.

“Sabi nga nila, 'you have 10 lawyers in a room, you may have 12 or 15 opinions', so normal naman po iyan,” he said

“We have to keep our minds open, just in case, may punto naman talaga yung sinabi kahit salungat sa ating posisyon. Baka may mapupulot din tayo na aral doon,” he added

Meanwhile, when Atty. Poa was asked whether they plan to bring the matter to the Supreme Court, he said that the defense cannot release the final decision yet because they are still on the assessment if the issue is justifiable to submit before the Supreme Court.

“Kasi may mga tinatawag tayong justiciable issues or non-justiciable issues. Meaning, mga bagay na pwede nating idulog sa Supreme Court. May mga bagay na hindi o baka premature pa,” he said

“So sa atin wala pa naman tayong sinasabi. Depende yan sa sitwasyon and sa aming assessment kung ito ay tamang i-akyat sa Supreme Court – kung ito ay justiciable issue,” he added

Atty. Poa also assured that they have no intention to obstruct or delay anything, just in case they need to seek the Supreme Court’s insight.

“Makakaasa kayo na hindi naman kami aakyat ng Supreme Court para lang sa manggulo or mag-delay or anything like that — that's really not our purpose,” he said

Following the participation of the amici curiae on September 16, the oral arguments of the defense and prosecution are set on September 23, 2026.