Salvador San Buenaventura Panelo (born September 23, 1946) is a Filipino lawyer who served as President Rodrigo Duterte's Chief Presidential Legal Counsel (2016–2021) and Presidential Spokesperson (2018–2020). He was also the legal adviser during Duterte's 2016 presidential campaign.[1] As a private lawyer, he has handled cases involving politicians and other controversial personalities. He is a former director of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).[2][3]
Panelo ran for senator in the May 2022 election under the PDP-Laban party,[4][5] but lost.[6] He was later named by fellow senatorial candidate Robin Padilla as his legislative adviser and mentor in the Senate.[7]
Panelo started practiced law at United Laboratories where he served as the company's legal counsel from 1977 to 1987. He
assumed the directorship of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in 1983 and presidency of the IBP Rizal Chapter in 1985. In 1987, he was hired and worked as a radio anchor at DZEC Radyo Agila for one year. It was also in 1987 when he started his private law practice.[2]
Panelo ran in the 1987 and 1992 Philippine Senate elections commonly under Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, with the top 24 candidates winning the election. However, he lost in both instances.[12]
Prior to joining the government of Rodrigo Duterte on June 30, 2016, he was his legal counsel and defense lawyer on the charges of hidden wealth by vice presidential candidate Antonio Trillanes during the presidential campaign. He eventually served as the President-elect's transitional spokesperson before being designated as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.[2][13] On May 1, 2020, Panelo began hosting a talk show on People's Television Network (PTV) titled Counterpoint with Secretary Salvador Panelo, produced by the Presidential Broadcast Staff - Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM).[14][15] Panelo created the program for the purpose of "discussing the issues affecting our country," as well as to "analyze, dissect issues raised by certain critics and others against certain policies of the government".[14]
Panelo ran and lost in the 2022 Senate election, as he did not finish in the top 12 positions.[16] Later on, he returned to his talk show Counterpoint, now airing on Net 25.[17] He also writes his column published weekly in The Manila Times.
Personal life
Panelo resides in Marikina.[18] He had a son, Carlo, who died of heart complications from Down syndrome on January 6, 2017, at the age of 27.[19]
Panelo is a member the Rotary Club of Makati Southwest chapter, a member of the Board of Trustees of the San Beda Law Alumni Association, and Secretary General of the Asean Law Association Golfers’ Club.[2]
^Ranada, Pia (October 11, 2018). "Sal Panelo is Duterte's new spokesman". Rappler. Manila, Philippines. Retrieved June 9, 2020. Presidential aide Bong Go said Panelo's appointment is effective 'today,' Thursday, October 11.