Sara Duterte taps Paolo Panelo as new spokesperson

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Wednesday announced the appointment of Atty. Paolo Panelo as the new spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte.

“In this capacity, Atty. Paolo will serve as the official point of communication, representing the views and positions of the Vice President and engaging with the media and public on relevant matters,” the OVP said.

The OVP also said that Panelo is expected to make “important information more accessible, clear, and easier for the public to understand.”

In a post on Facebook, Panelo thanked Duterte for the trust given to him as her spokesman.

“Isang malaking karangalan ang maglingkod bilang kanyang tagapagsalita. Handa akong gampanan ang tungkuling ito sa abot ng aking makakaya, at nang may pagmamahal sa bayan na tanda ng kanyang paglilingkod,” he said in a statement.

(It’s a great honor to serve as her spokesperson. I am ready to fulfill this role to the best of my ability, and with the love for country.)

The last OVP spokesperson was Atty. Ruth Castelo.

Prior to his appointment as Duterte’s spokesperson, Panelo served as legal counsel for the Vice President in connection with the multiple perjury complaints filed against her.

Paolo is the son of Atty. Salvador Panelo, who once served as spokesperson and chief presidential legal counsel of former President Rodrigo Duterte. — RSJ, GMA News