Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has called on the government to file a new lawsuit against China for the destruction of Escoda Shoal and Rozul Reef. The two features are located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which gives the country sovereign rights over the area.
Carpio stressed that the case is not only about territorial disputes but also about environmental protection. He noted that the Philippine Coast Guard has accused China of building an artificial island in Escoda Shoal and dumping crushed corals near the shoal, which may be a preparation for reclamation activities.
The retired justice, who was part of the Philippine delegation in the 2013 arbitration case against China, also urged the government to conduct joint patrols with other countries, including the United States, to protect the West Philippine Sea. He emphasized that constant monitoring is necessary to prevent maritime militias from entering and establishing new islands.
The Philippines had previously challenged China’s claims in the South China Sea before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2013. The tribunal invalidated China’s assertions in a landmark ruling in 2016, but Beijing has refused to recognize the decision.
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