Renowned jurist and advocate for Philippine sovereignty, Justice Antonio Carpio, has once again underscored the importance of a strong civilian presence in the West Philippine Sea. In a recent interview with ANC’s Karen Davila on Headstart, he emphasized that a Coast Guard outpost would not only serve as a visible manifestation of the country’s claims but also provide an essential tool for asserting its rights and protecting its interests in the disputed waters.
Carpio stressed that the presence of a civilian outpost is crucial to demonstrate the Philippines’ commitment to peaceful resolution of the territorial disputes. By establishing a Coast Guard outpost, he believes the government can effectively deter Chinese aggression and assert its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.