Manila: The Palace on Thursday expressed hope that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte would remain anchored on the rule of law, due process, and evidence, rather than politics, while reiterating that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would not interfere in the Senate's constitutional mandate.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the Executive has no business evaluating the Senate impeachment court after its initial three days of hearings. Castro stressed that the President remains focused on governance while respecting the constitutional separation of powers. She highlighted the expectation that senators will strictly adhere to the law and decide the case based on its merits.

"Ang expectation ay tumupad sila sa batas, gawin ang hearing or trial na naaayon sa rules and procedure, at magkaroon ng desisyon naaayon sa ebidensya (The expectation is that they will uphold the law, conduct the hearing or trial in accordance with the rules and procedures, and arrive at a decision based on the evidence)," Castro stated during a Palace briefing.

Castro further noted that acquitting or protecting a politician despite overwhelming evidence would amount to a betrayal of the Filipino people. "Ito naman ay para sa taumbayan, hindi para iligtas ang isang politiko kahit na kung marami mga ebidensya pero iligtas natin, ito po ay isang betrayal na rin sa taong bayan (This is for the people, not to save a politician despite facing mounting evidence, because that is tantamount to betrayal of the public)," she added.

Castro reiterated that President Marcos' consistent position is for all parties to observe the law and established procedures. When questioned about Malaca±ang's neutrality, given that one of the impeachment complaints involves alleged threats against the President, Castro clarified that being "hands-off" means respecting the constitutional separation of powers.

She emphasized that the Executive would not interfere with the Senate's handling of the trial but would respond with facts whenever issues directly involving the President arise. "If the issue involves the President at kailangan sagutin with facts... ibibigay natin ang katotohanan (and needs to be answered with facts, we will respond with the truth)," Castro said.

The Senate formally convened as an impeachment court on Monday to try Duterte over allegations including culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and the alleged misuse of confidential funds. The proceedings are expected to continue over the coming weeks as both the prosecution and defense present their cases.