An opposition lawmaker has filed an impeachment complaint in the Philippine Congress against President Rodrigo Duterte, calling for his removal for what he says are high crimes, betrayal of public trust and abuses of power.
Lower house representative Gary Alejano on Thursday accused Duterte of offences he said were worthy of impeachment, from concealing assets and conflicts of interest to drugs-related extrajudicial killings and running an alleged "death squad" when he was Davao City mayor.
Duterte has rejected similar allegations in the past.
His spokesman said Alejano was trying to create doubts among the public about the administration.
Alejano said his aim was to give Filipinos a chance to speak up against a powerful president.
"Our goal with this complaint is to be a vehicle for Filipinos to have a voice to oppose and fight against the abuses and crimes of President Duterte," Alejano told a televised news conference.
"We know it's an uphill battle ... but we believe that many will support this complaint."
Alejano accused Duterte of having a state policy of killing drug offenders.
More than 8000 people have been killed since Duterte unleashed his anti-drugs crusade, about 2500 in police raids and sting operations.
The authorities vigorously deny involvement in thousands of mysterious killings of drug users.
