DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is asking the House of Representative to fast-track the impeachment process against embattled Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, saying she is bad for the Philippines.
Addressing himself to Sereno, Duterte even said “If it calls for your forced removal, I will do it.”
During his pre-departure press conference, before leaving to China Monday at the Davao International Airport, Duterte categorically stated he does not have a history of running after his opponents but Sereno kept dragging him into her case.
On Monday morning, April 9, Sereno who guested in a forum, urged Duterte to explain to the public why Solicitor General Jose Calida was the one who filed the quo warranto petition against her.
Sereno was quoted asking Duterte “paki-paliwanag po bakit si Solicitor General Calida ang nag-file nitong quo warranto. Surely you must explain to the people why this unconstitutional act.”
Duterte who felt insulted, as Sereno kept dragging his name in the legal battle she is into, said “Sabihin mo sa kanya ngayon, let the world know, talagang I will — makialam ako. Ako nagpapasensya lang ako babae. Now, this time I’m asking the congressmen and the Speaker: Do it now. Huwag ninyong dramahin or else I will do it for you.”
Addressing himself to Sereno, Duterte said “Ikaw, Sereno. Sinabi ko na sa iyo, hindi ako nakialam. If you are insisting, then count me in. Count me in. And I will egg Calida to do his best. Ako na mismo maglakad rin kalaban sa iyo. Sinasabi ko na sa iyo na hindi ako nakikialam.” Now sige ka diyan daldal nang daldal. O sige, upakan kita. I will help any investigator. Talagang uupakan kita.”
He stressed “I’m putting you on notice that I am now your enemy. And you have to be out of the Supreme Court. I will see to it that after that then I’ll request the Congress, go into the impeachment right away.”
Duterte also asked House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez “So that I’d like to ask Speaker Alvarez now, kindly fast-track the impeachment of… She is bad for the Philippines.”
Duterte even cited the case of a public school teacher who was dimissed from service over failure to submit the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
Sereno, according to Duterte collects notarial fees “Now, itong babae na ito, she earned money, attorney’s fees collected from the government, ni singko centavos hindi nag… Why is the special treatment? Me? I’ll go to jail with her. Samahan ko sila si… Diyan ako sa gitna ang selda ko. De Lima dito pati siya.”
He apologized over gender tagging as he emphasized he cannot be softened by tears.-Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph
