Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio has welcomed President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s assertion that his administration will uphold the 2016 decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) favoring Manila against Beijing’s claims to the South China Sea.
In an interview, Justice Carpio described Marcos’ stance as a ‘sea change’ in the country’s position on the disputed waters. This shift is seen as a significant development in the Philippines-China relations, particularly in light of Beijing’s continued assertiveness in the region.
Carpio highlighted that Marcos’ commitment to upholding the PCA ruling demonstrates his administration’s willingness to take a firm stance against China’s expansive claims. This, he noted, could potentially lead to improved bilateral relations between the two nations if executed properly.