Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has expressed his support for the termination of the joint oil exploration talks between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea. However, he emphasized that the country is now back to square one due to the Duterte administration’s failure to address the issues surrounding the disputed waters.
Carpio’s statement comes after outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin announced that the oil and gas discussions had been terminated following a decision by President Rodrigo Duterte.
As an expert on international law, Carpio has long been vocal about the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea. He has consistently emphasized the importance of upholding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Chinese aggression.
In this latest development, Carpio’s warnings serve as a stark reminder that the termination of talks does not necessarily mean an end to the country’s troubles with China. Rather, it may only signal the beginning of a new chapter in the protracted dispute.