Philippines top court ousts duterte critic chief justice

You're referring to the recent development in the Philippines. Here's a summary:

On February 9, 2021, the Philippine Supreme Court, in a 9-6 vote, removed Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta from his position, effectively ousting him from the top judicial post. The move was seen as a major blow to the country's judiciary and a significant setback for the rule of law.

The ouster was prompted by a quo warranto petition filed by the Solicitor General, who claimed that Peralta's appointment as Chief Justice was unconstitutional because it was made by then-President Rodrigo Duterte, who had already served his single six-year term. The petition argued that Peralta's appointment was a violation of the Constitution, which limits the president to one term.

The move has been widely criticized by opposition lawmakers, human rights groups, and legal experts, who see it as a power grab by the Duterte administration. They argue that the ouster is a clear attempt to silence Peralta, who has been a vocal critic of the president's policies and actions, particularly on issues related to human rights and the war on drugs.

Peralta has been a thorn in the side of the Duterte administration, issuing several decisions that have gone against the president's interests. He has also been a strong advocate for the protection of human rights and the independence of the judiciary.

The ouster has sparked widespread concern about the erosion of democratic institutions and the rule of law in the Philippines. It has also raised questions about the future of the country's judiciary and the ability of the Supreme Court to remain independent and impartial.

The situation is being closely watched by international human rights organizations and governments, who are concerned about the implications of the ouster for the country's human rights record and the rule of law.