As tensions escalate in the West Philippine Sea, the Marcos administration is reassessing its approach to counter Chinese aggression. Despite the growing concerns, President Bongbong Marcos remains non-committal about expelling China’s ambassador. Meanwhile, plans are underway to launch new energy exploration projects in the disputed waters.
Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio shares his insights on the evolving situation, highlighting the need for a more proactive stance from the government. According to him, the Philippines must assert its sovereign rights and interests in the region. ‘We cannot just sit back and wait for China to do something,’ he stresses.
Carpio notes that the country’s approach should be guided by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He emphasizes the importance of building a strong case against Chinese aggression, which includes documenting incidents of harassment and territorial violations.
The retired Justice also touches on the plan to launch new energy exploration projects in the West Philippine Sea. He cautions that this move should not come at the expense of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. ‘We must ensure that any economic activity in the area is done in a way that respects our rights and interests,’ he says.