Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Wednesday that Malacañang will keep its distance on the issue of leadership at the Senate even as "oust-Enrile" rumors start to brew.

Valte added that, even if the rumors of a plot to oust Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile from the leadership post turn out to be true, the Palace is no position to intervene in the internal affairs of the Senate, which is a separate but co-equal branch of the government.

"We see Senate President Enrile continuing to conduct the impeachment trial as presiding officer with fairness to both parties," she said, adding that Malacañang has always maintained a good relationship with Enrile.

ACL / Reportage from AC Nicholls