Prominent lawyer Ferdinand Topacio has been officially designated as the spokesperson of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) for matters concerning the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Topacio, a known ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, confirmed the appointment on Thursday night through a message to reporters. “I am happy to announce that I have been appointed PDP spokesman on impeachment matters,” he said. “In general, PDP is fully supportive of the stand of Vice President Sara Duterte with respect to the complaint against her, and the party stands behind her all the way.”
Former President Duterte currently chairs the PDP. During the campaign period for the May midterm elections, the party’s senatorial slate—composed of 10 candidates—pledged to vote against the impeachment of Vice President Duterte if the case proceeds to trial in the Senate.
The appointment of Topacio as spokesperson comes amid mounting political tension, with the Vice President facing serious allegations including culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. The charges stem from her alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds.
Just a day before Topacio’s announcement, Vice President Duterte named lawyer Michael Poa as the official spokesperson for her defense team in the impending impeachment proceedings. Poa, a former Department of Education spokesperson, is expected to handle media inquiries and relay the legal team’s stance on the charges.
Topacio’s return to the spotlight follows his involvement earlier this year in the filing of graft and falsification complaints against House Speaker Martin Romualdez, alongside former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, lawyer Virgilio Garcia, and former PDP senatorial aspirant Jimmy Bondoc.
With both legal teams now having named their respective spokespersons, political observers anticipate a high-profile legal and political battle in the coming weeks.
The impeachment complaint has yet to advance to trial in the Senate, but developments are being closely watched, especially within Duterte’s political circles. PDP’s open show of support highlights the party’s loyalty to the Duterte family and sets the stage for a highly charged political drama.
As the impeachment process unfolds, Topacio is expected to play a key role in shaping public perception and defending the party’s position.