MANILA - The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Friday said it was eyeing the reversal of the Supreme Court's decision to oust Maria Lourdes Sereno as Chief Justice.

In a statement, the IBP maintained that a member of the high court may only be removed through impeachment proceedings.

"We are awaiting official receipt of the decision of the Supreme Court in Republic vs Sereno, with an eye towards seeking its reconsideration or reversal," said the group, an organization of the country's lawyers.

"This is pursuant to our position that only the Senate, assembled as an impeachment court, has the power to dismiss an incumbent Justice of the Supreme Court on questions pertaining to his or her alleged lack of integrity."

Voting 8-6, the Supreme Court on Friday granted Solicitor General Jose Calida's "quo warranto" petition seeking to invalidate Sereno's 2012 appointment as chief justice.

• Supreme Court ousts Chief Justice Sereno

Calida had sought her removal as chief magistrate for failing to submit the required statements of assets, liabilities and net worth during the time she was applying for the post.

Sereno is expected to file a motion for reconsideration.

The first woman to hold the top post in the judiciary, Sereno was supposed to remain chief magistrate until her retirement at age 70 in 2030.

Sereno's removal marks the first time in Philippine history that a chief justice was removed by her own peers through a quo warranto plea. Her predecessor, the late Renato Corona, was ousted in 2012 through impeachment proceedings over undeclared wealth.

• Serene Sereno declares day of ouster a 'victory'