Former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio has clarified his stance on the contentious issue of joint development in the West Philippine Sea, stressing that he does not advocate for a joint development arrangement with China. Instead, he is in favor of a cooperation agreement that recognizes the Philippines’ ownership over the area’s oil and gas resources.
In an effort to dispel misconceptions surrounding his position, Justice Carpio emphasized that any form of joint development would imply shared sovereignty and equal rights for both parties involved. This, he argued, would be tantamount to recognizing China’s claims in the region, which is unacceptable given the Philippines’ historical and legal claims.
On the other hand, a cooperation arrangement based on mutual respect and understanding could pave the way for a more equitable sharing of resources. By doing so, it would align with the country’s long-held stance that the West Philippine Sea’s oil and gas reserves are rightfully its own.