Manila, July 9 -- 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 and not politics, even as it reiterated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would not interfere in the Senate's constitutional mandate.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Executive has no business grading the Senate impeachment court after its first three days of hearings, stressing that the President remains focused on governance while respecting the constitutional separation of powers.

Instead, she said, the Palace expects senators to strictly follow the law and decide the case on its merits.

"Ang expectation ay tumupad sila sa batas, gawin a...