Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has cast doubt on the alleged ‘gentleman’s deal’ between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China. According to Carpio, this informal agreement does not supersede formal country policies. The deal supposedly maintained the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, with limited resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal, but no reconstruction or infrastructure development.
Carpio expressed concern that this arrangement would only serve as a disadvantage to the Philippines. He emphasized the importance of asserting national sovereignty and adhering to established international maritime laws and conventions.