Renowned jurist and former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has spoken out against the alleged ‘gentleman’s deal’ between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China. According to Carpio, this agreement is disadvantageous to the Philippines and does not reflect formal country policy. The deal supposedly maintains the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, limiting resupply missions to food and water for the Philippine outpost in Ayungin Shoal.
Carpio’s critique comes as a stark reminder of the need for a more assertive stance on territorial claims. As an expert on international law, Carpio emphasizes that China’s actions within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are a clear infringement on national sovereignty. The ‘gentleman’s deal’, in his view, only serves to embolden Chinese aggression and undermine regional stability.
The implications of this agreement are far-reaching, with Carpio warning that it could set a damaging precedent for future international relations. As a leading voice on Philippine geopolitical issues, Carpio’s insights are invaluable in shedding light on the complexities surrounding the EEZ dispute.