Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has fired back at President Rodrigo Duterte over his assertion that the Aquino administration paved the way for China to take control of the West Philippine Sea. According to Carpio, it was actually the Aquino government that successfully won an arbitration case against China in 2016, invalidating Beijing’s nine-dash claim over the disputed waters.
Duterte has been criticized for supposedly prioritizing economic interests over national sovereignty by engaging with Chinese President Xi Jinping and signing deals that have yet to yield significant benefits. Carpio argued that the Duterte administration’s actions are a clear departure from the Aquino government’s stance, which had sought to assert the country’s claims under international law.
The issue of territorial integrity has been a contentious one in recent years, with China’s increasing presence in the region sparking concerns about its intentions. Carpio’s comments serve as a reminder that there are still those who are committed to upholding the rule of law and defending the country’s interests.