Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has expressed concerns over the alleged ‘gentleman’s deal’ between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China. According to Carpio, this informal agreement is disadvantageous to the Philippines and does not apply to formal country policy. In a recent interview, Carpio emphasized that the Philippine government should maintain its hardline stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, as giving in to Chinese demands would only embolden Beijing’s aggressive actions.
Carpio pointed out that the Duterte administration’s supposed agreement with China to limit resupply missions to the Philippine outpost in Ayungin Shoal to food and water supply only is a compromise that undermines the country’s sovereignty. He stressed that the Philippines must not sacrifice its territorial rights for the sake of maintaining good relations with China.
Carpio’s warnings come as the Philippines continues to face challenges in asserting its claims over the WPS, a vital fishing ground and potential resource-rich area. The former justice has been a vocal advocate for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, consistently emphasizing the importance of upholding international law and the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s claims over the South China Sea.
As the Philippines navigates its complex relationship with China, Carpio’s views serve as a reminder of the need for strategic diplomacy and unwavering commitment to defending national interests. His expertise on the WPS issue has made him a trusted voice in the Philippine legal community, and his continued advocacy is crucial in shaping the country’s stance on this critical geopolitical concern.