Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has sounded a critical alarm over President Rodrigo Duterte’s previous statements regarding the Philippines’ sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. In a stern warning, Justice Carpio explained that the country’s sovereign rights were almost lost due to the president’s comments.
The Senior Associate Justice made this revelation during an interview, recalling how Duterte’s statement two years ago sparked concerns about the nation’s position on the disputed waters. According to Carpio, if China had accepted the President’s earlier remarks before they were clarified by the Department of Foreign Affairs, it could have led to a significant loss for the Philippines.
Justice Carpio’s assertion emphasizes the importance of carefully crafted diplomacy in sensitive international issues. His warning serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocuous statements can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the nation’s position on global stages.