Philippines faces threats to rights Says chief justice

MANILA, Mar 7 (AFP): The Philippines' Supreme Court chief justice warned on Wednesday that the country's civil rights were under grave threat as she faces all-but-certain impeachment by allies of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Maria Lourdes Sereno spoke out as the Philippine House of Representatives prepared to vote Thursday on whether to proceed with her impeachment following a threat by Duterte that she would be forced out.

Sereno has clashed with the president on issues like the independence of the judiciary as well as rights issues linked to Duterte's centrepiece "war on drugs" which has left thousands dead at the hands of police or shadowy vigilantes.

Duterte in turn vowed last year to impeach Sereno, accusing her of excessive spending and other abuses of power.