Manila: Former Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Michael Wesley Poa testified Wednesday that he reported directly to then-Education Secretary Sara Duterte, receiving her instructions on department operations and guidance before media interviews, despite not having firsthand knowledge of the operational use of the agency's confidential funds.
According to Philippines News Agency, Poa appeared as a hostile prosecution witness during Day 21 of Duterte's impeachment trial. Private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. questioned Poa about his authority and working relationship with Duterte while he served in various capacities within the DepEd, including spokesperson, undersecretary, chief of staff, officer-in-charge for finance, and head of the procuring entity. Defense counsel Shiela Sison acknowledged Poa's standing within the department, stating that he was trusted and competent in his roles.
Poa began his tenure as DepEd spokesperson in July 2022 and became undersecretary and chief of staff by April 2023. He briefly served as officer-in-charge of the finance office and later as head of the procuring entity. Poa explained his formal appointment as undersecretary was made by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., upon the recommendation of then-Secretary Duterte.
When questioned by Tolosa, Poa confirmed his direct reporting relationship with Duterte, stating he had access to her without needing to go through other department officials. Poa testified that as chief of staff, he provided updates and received instructions from Duterte on DepEd operations. His role as spokesperson included seeking Duterte's guidance before media interviews, as confirmed by his previous statements during a congressional hearing.
Despite his access and authority within the department, Poa maintained he had no operational knowledge of the confidential funds. He testified that his involvement began only after DepEd received an Audit Observation Memorandum from the Commission on Audit. Poa had not signed the original liquidation reports for the funds, identifying former special disbursing officer Edward Fajarda, Duterte as head of agency, and an accountant as signatories.
Poa's testimony highlighted the contrast between his entrusted role and his lack of involvement in the operational handling of the confidential funds until state auditors requested further evidence. Duterte, who led DepEd when the agency used PHP112.5 million in confidential funds in 2023, signed the liquidation reports as the agency's head, according to Poa's testimony. The prosecution argued that Duterte must explain the control exercised, safeguards imposed, and actual use of the public money.
