Crisis brews in Philippines
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The nation's top judge has called the charges "totally without basis."
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MANILA, Philippines (CNN) -- A constitutional crisis is brewing in the Philippines after the Supreme Court blocked a move to dismiss the country's top judge.
A court spokesman said 13 of 14 justices on Monday ruled unconstitutional a move by lawmakers to impeach Chief Justice Hilario Davide, because it was the second such complaint against him in a year.
The ruling sets the stage for an all-out fight between the judiciary and the legislature, as lawmakers backing the ouster have vowed to continue with the impeachment bid, despite Monday's decision.
They have argued it is a political issue and the court should not block it.
A number of lawmakers have been attempting to fire Davide, the chief justice of the nation's Supreme Court, after accusing him of mishandling public funds.
House Speaker Jose de Venecia warned on Sunday there would be a "real, real crisis" if the court ruled the impeachment unconstitutional.
The crisis has already unnerved investors as the country holds elections next May.
The Philippine peso has already fallen to record lows against the U.S. dollar and the military has been on full alert as street protests have broken out.
Davide has claimed the charges lobbied against him are without basis and motivated by forces loyal to ousted President Joseph Estrada and powerful business.
The impeachment bid has divided the country into Estrada supporters who back the move, and the Catholic Church and former president Corazon Aquino who have rallied for the embattled judge.
Davide, who hails from the southern city of Cebu, has played a crucial role during times of constitutional crisis.
He helped draft the constitution in 1986, headed a fact-finding panel after a series of coup attempts in 1989, and conducted the impeachment trial of Estrada in 2001.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been trying to broker a deal between the different branches of government but said on Monday the Court ruling should be honored.
-- CNN Jakarta Bureau Chief Maria Ressa contributed to this report
