MANILA, June 18 -- The Senate Impeachment Court on Wednesday called on parties involved in the looming trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to direct their attention towards preparing their legal arguments rather than casting doubt on the court's authority and process.

Court spokesperson Regie Tungol said the Senate, as the sole body empowered by the Constitution to try impeachment cases, deserves respect, not accusations that undermine its credibility.

"Ano po ba ang motibo para i-criticize po ang impeachment court? Dun pa lamang po meron dapat tayong pagrespeto at hindi po natin matanggal ang kredebilidad ng korte (What is the motive behind criticizing the impeachment court? That alone should merit respect, and we should not erode the...