Renowned jurist Justice Antonio Carpio has long been at the forefront of efforts to assert the Philippines’ sovereignty over the disputed West Philippine Sea. In an interview with Rappler, he emphasized the importance of a unified Southeast Asian approach in defending regional interests and preventing further tensions with China.
The retired Supreme Court senior associate justice highlighted the need for collective action among Southeast Asian nations to protect their shared maritime domain. He underscored that this requires not only a strong legal foundation but also effective diplomacy and cooperation among member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Through his work with the 1Sambayan movement, Carpio has been advocating for greater regional unity and coordination in addressing common challenges. His vision is centered on the idea that by working together, ASEAN countries can present a more formidable front against external threats and better navigate complex geopolitical dynamics.