Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has expressed his surprise and approval of the current administration’s foreign policy shift under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In a recent interview, Carpio highlighted that he is ‘pleasantly surprised’ with the new approach, but emphasized that it will be put to the test through the exploration of the Reed Bank area in the West Philippine Sea.
Carpio, a renowned expert on maritime law and international relations, has long been an advocate for the Philippines’ rights in the disputed waters. He noted that the current administration’s commitment to exploring the potential of the Reed Bank gas field is a significant development, as it could bring economic benefits to the country while also asserting its sovereignty.
However, Carpio also cautioned that the test of Marcos’ foreign policy lies not only in its rhetoric but also in its actions. He urged the government to ensure that any agreements or arrangements with China respect the country’s territorial integrity and do not compromise its national interests.