Justice Antonio Carpio, a vocal advocate for the country’s territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea, was initially set to engage President Rodrigo Duterte in a debate on the issue. However, Malacañang announced that instead of facing off with Carpio directly, Duterte will be represented by his spokesperson, Salvador Panelo (previously reported as Roque). The proposed debate, which was offered by the Philippine Bar Association, highlights the tension between the administration’s stance on the disputed waters and the Supreme Court’s previous rulings. Carpio, a former SC justice who has been critical of Duterte’s handling of the West Philippine Sea issue, would have brought a legal perspective to the discussion. His absence from the debate means that Duterte will not be forced to directly address Carpio’s arguments and the implications of his administration’s actions on the country’s territorial claims.