Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has emphasized the importance of precise terminology when discussing the South China Sea, specifically the areas previously contested by the Philippines and China. In a statement, he clarified that referring to these areas as ‘disputed’ can be misleading. According to him, this term implies a neutral or ambiguous status, whereas in reality, the Philippines has long maintained its sovereignty over these territories.
Carpio’s assertion is rooted in international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides a framework for nations to assert their claims. The Philippines has consistently asserted its claim to the West Philippine Sea based on historical and geographical evidence.
In recent years, the dispute between China and several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, has led to tensions in the region. Carpio’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of accurate representation of territorial claims and the need for nations to respect each other’s sovereignty.