MANILA, Philippines—An association of lawyers, members of the academe and business groups has condemned reported moves to impeach Chief Justice Reynato Puno, calling it “sinister” and aimed at destroying “the most credible institution of Philippine democracy”.

In a statement, the Asia Pacific Bar Association said any attempt to unseat Puno would be “unconstitutional.”

“The House of Representatives should not allow itself to be the refuge of disgruntled party litigants. These party litigants should not seek unconstitutional remedies against the decisions and resolutions of the Supreme Court, before Congress,” the group said.

Lawyer Roberto Rafael Lucila, the association president, told the Inquirer that his group was “alarmed by the recent developments”.

“We’re looking at 2010 and the fact is there is a Charter Change movement that needs to leave the station and there would be vacancies in the (Supreme Court). These confluence of imperils the integrity of the judicial process,” Lucila said.