MANILA - Lawyer Larry Gadon, who filed an impeachment case against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, threatened on Thursday to file a disbarment case against Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) officials who support the top judge.

Gadon on Wednesday hurled invectives at a group of protesters who expressed support for Sereno at the start of oral arguments regarding the separate quo warranto petition seeking to nullify her appointment to the Supreme Court.

Gadon's conduct may be cited in an ethics complaint, IBP President Abdiel Fajardo was quoted as saying in a media report.

In an apparent reaction to Fajardo's statement, Gadon said: "I will also file disbarment case against any IBP official for supporting Sereno."

"Because their act of support can be considered as abetting the illegal acts of Sereno. They are upholding the violation of the constitution by Sereno therefore they are also liable for violating the code of ethics," Gadon said in a statement.

• IBP calls for due process on Sereno impeachment case

The lawyer also brushed off threats against his own career, saying: "I don't care if I am disbarred. I will still eat delicious food and live comfortably. I don't depend on income from lawyering alone unlike some IBP officials."

• Gadon denies discussing oust-Sereno bid with Duterte

Gadom has faced 2 separate disbarment cases: one in 2016 for saying he opposed the Bangsamoro Basic Law and making remarks seen as "hateful" to Muslims; and another this year for his allegedly baseless accusations against Sereno.

"Proceedings for disbarment, suspension or discipline of attorneys may be taken by the Supreme Court motu proprio, or by [IBP], upon the verified complaint of any person," according to the rules of court.