Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has weighed in on the controversy surrounding former President Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged ‘gentleman’s deal’ with China. According to Carpio, this agreement is disadvantageous to the Philippines and does not constitute formal policy. The ‘deal’ supposedly maintains the status quo in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and limits resupply missions to food and water for the Philippine outpost at Ayungin Shoal.
Justice Carpio’s insight into the matter underscores the significance of the WPS dispute, a longstanding issue that has pitted the Philippines against China. The retired jurist’s analysis highlights the need for clarity on the terms of any agreement between the two nations and emphasizes the importance of adhering to international law.
As an expert in Philippine constitutional law and international relations, Justice Carpio brings unparalleled depth to the discussion of this complex issue. His perspectives serve as a crucial reminder of the country’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its sovereignty over the WPS.