‘Authoritarian rule’ looms as Duterte seeks ouster of SC chief, Ombudsman--lawmaker

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s efforts to oust two government officials in constitutionally mandated positions are “dubious and malevolent” attempts to wreck democratic institutions and the eventuality of an “authoritarian rule” is not far behind, a lawmaker at the House of Representatives said on Tuesday.

“The constitutionally guaranteed independence of the Supreme Court and the Office of the Ombudsman is under siege without legitimate anchorage,” Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay said.