Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has cast a skeptical eye on the alleged “gentleman’s deal” between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China, saying it is disadvantageous to the Philippines. The agreement, which was reportedly made during a private meeting between Duterte and Chinese officials, purportedly aimed to maintain the status quo in the West Philippine Sea. However, Carpio pointed out that this deal does not reflect the formal policy of the Philippine government.
Carpio, who has been vocal about his concerns over China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, believes that the Philippines cannot trust China’s words. He noted that China had previously reneged on its agreement to withdraw from Scarborough Shoal, a move that further eroded trust between the two nations.
Former Duterte spokesperson Harry Roque claimed that the former president and Chinese officials agreed to limit resupply missions to the Philippine outpost in Ayungin Shoal to food and water, with no reconstruction allowed. However, Carpio dismissed this as insufficient, arguing that it does not address the underlying issues of China’s aggression in the region.