Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice and 1Sambayan convenor Antonio Carpio recently weighed in on the Philippines’ options against China’s continued fishing activities within the West Philippine Sea (WPS). According to Carpio, the Philippine government can take legal action against China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) if they continue to disregard their rights and freedoms.
In a statement that highlights the pressing need for assertive diplomacy in protecting the country’s maritime interests, Carpio emphasized that the Philippines is not helpless in the face of Chinese aggression. By exercising its rights under UNCLOS, the government can bring international pressure to bear on China and hold them accountable for their actions.
This stance by Justice Carpio underscores the complexity of the issue at hand, which goes beyond mere territorial disputes and involves a broader discussion on international law and sovereignty.