Mrs Sereno is facing a separate impeachment bid in the House of Representatives, which is dominated by Mr Duterte's allies. Once an independent judicial leader like Mrs Sereno, who acts as checks and balances to the executive branch of government, is ousted, "there will be no more balance of power. Mr Duterte will be a virtual dictator so the institutions should really wake up,'' Mr Reyes said. Mr Duterte said he had avoided getting involved in efforts to remove Mrs Sereno but got fed up. Mrs Sereno has denied any wrongdoing.

Source: Bangkok Post May 11, 2018 05:15 UTC