President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, April 9, declared Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno as his enemy before flying to China for the Boao Forum.
“I am putting you on notice that I am now your enemy, and you have to be out of the Supreme Court,” Duterte said in his departure speech.
The president made this statement after Sereno accused him of being the mind behind the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida calling for her ouster.
According to the complaint, Sereno failed to submit her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth for 10 years before assuming the position of Chief Justice in 2012.
“Sinabi ko na kay Chief Justice Sereno, I am not into the habit of maghabol ng kalaban. I have no history on that,” Duterte said.
“Ikaw Sereno, sinabi ko na sa’yo, hindi ako nakialam. If you are insisting then count me in, and I will egg Calida to do his best. Ako na mismo ang maglakad rin, kalaban sa’yo.”
Duterte also called on House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to hasten impeachment proceedings against Sereno.
“She is bad for the Philippines…I am asking Congress, what’s taking you too long? I will not hesitate to do what is to the best of my country. If it calls for your forced removal, I will do it,” he said.
Sereno has confirmed her attendance for the Supreme Court hearing regarding her ouster on April 10.
