MANILA, July 29 -- The fate of detained Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada rests with the courts, not the Senate, Malacanang said Wednesday, rejecting calls to allow them to participate in the Senate impeachment proceedings while under detention.

Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano's belief that Marcoleta and Estrada were "political prisoners" was merely his personal opinion.

"Kung iyan po ang kaniyang paniniwala, hindi naman din po siguro ito ang paniniwala ng Sandiganbayan. Iba ang kanyang pananaw. Iba rin naman ang pananaw ng mga korte (If that is his belief, it does not necessarily mean the Sandiganbayan shares the same view. His perspective is differe...