MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday lashed out at the UN special rapporteur who criticized the Supreme Court (SC) ruling that ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, saying he can “go to hell” for allegedly meddling in Philippine affairs. Sereno, who was named chief justice by former president Benigno Aquino III in 2012, has been critical of Duterte’s brutal war on illegal drugs. Last month, the SC voided Sereno’s appointment as chief justice because of her alleged failure to submit some of her statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs). Sereno’s camp, however, maintains that the chief justice can only be ousted through impeachment. Duterte admitted that he was angry with Sereno for accusing him of orchestrating efforts to remove her from office.

Source: Philippine Star June 03, 2018 15:56 UTC