Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatens to impeach critics

Philippine President RodrigoDuterte vowed Wednesday to file an impeachment complaintagainst the head of the country's anti-graft body after shelaunched an inquiry into allegations that he has billions ofpesos in undeclared funds in bank accounts.

Dutertewas angered when the agency confirmed last month itwas examining claims that he failed to disclose the fullextent of his wealth in a mandatory asset declaration when hewas mayor of a southern city prior to becoming president.

"In the end, they will discover, to their sorrow, there isno such amount," he said.

An impeachment complaint against Conchita Carpio-Morales, who heads theOffice of the Ombudsman,the government's anti-graft agency,would be based on accusationsof "selective justice" and the use of "falsified documents,"thepresident said. Carpio-Morales is also the aunt of Duterte's son-in-law.

The firebrand leader added that hewantsSupremeCourt Chief Justice Maria LourdesSerenoremoved from her position because sheallowed herself to beused as a tool by his political opponents, who are conspiring tounseat him with this inquiry.

DutertesaidSereno, along with Carpio-Morales,colluded withmembers of theLiberal Party of the Philippinesand with his rival, Senator AntonioTrillanesto discredit him. Dutertealleges Trillanessupplied Carpio-Moraleswithillegally acquired and stolen bank records.

Trillanesdenied thepresident's latest allegations in an interview with reporters. "Mr.Duterte, do notavoid the issue of hidden wealth with this maliciousallegation," he added.

'Mr.Duterte, do notavoid the issue of hidden wealth with this maliciousallegation.'-Senator AntonioTrillanes

Carpio-Morales's office did not respond to telephone callsfrom Reuters to seek comment.

In an earlier statement, her office said, "This officeshall not be intimidated. We will nonetheless proceed with the
probe as mandated by the constitution."

In the Philippines, the president, vice-president, supremecourt judges, heads of constitutional agencies and the ombudsmancan only be removed through impeachment on the basis of highcrimes such as treason, bribery, corruption, betrayal of publictrust and constitutional violations.

Duterteadded that Sereno did not disclose government earnings of 30million pesos ($588,000 US) for serving as a private lawyer in anairport arbitration case. Sereno already faces a pendingimpeachment case in Congress.

Sereno made no immediate comment, but her lawyers said theywere ready to answer the complaint and prove she had notcommitted an impeachable offence.

The Liberal Party of the Philippinesmade no immediate comment when contactedby Reuters.