Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has shed light on the significant implications of President Bongbong Marcos’ mention of the Treaty of Paris in his recent speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue. According to Carpio, this reference serves as a major policy statement for the Philippines in its territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea.
Carpio emphasizes that the Treaty of Paris, which has been amplified and amended by the Treaty of Washington, provides a clear definition of the country’s territory. He believes that President Marcos’ speech has corrected misconceptions about the Philippine territory and should serve as the nation’s narrative in its claims.
This development is seen as a crucial step towards clarifying the Philippines’ stance on its territorial disputes in the region.