Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has addressed the misleading statement made by President Duterte during his State of the Nation Address, claiming that China is ‘in possession’ of the West Philippine Sea. This statement was met with skepticism and concern from various sectors, given the ongoing maritime dispute between the Philippines and China.
In a timely intervention, Justice Carpio clarified that it is not China but rather the Philippines that has sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. His clarification highlights the critical need for accurate information on this sensitive issue.
As one of the country’s most respected jurists, Justice Carpio’s statement carries significant weight and underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law in resolving territorial disputes.