Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio shares his insights on the China takeover of Scarborough, emphasizing that it serves as a lesson for the Philippines. According to him, setting up a civilian post in Ayungin is crucial to assert our country’s claims in the West Philippine Sea. In an interview with Karen Davila, Carpio discussed the recent developments in the area and the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Carpio highlighted the importance of establishing a civilian presence in Ayungin to prevent further Chinese encroachment. He also underscored the need for the Philippines to uphold its sovereignty and territorial claims, as enshrined in the 2016 Hague ruling. The former Justice expressed concern over the potential consequences of inaction, warning that it may embolden China to take more assertive actions.
As the situation continues to unfold, Carpio’s expertise and perspective offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders alike. His call for a more proactive approach to asserting our country’s claims in the West Philippine Sea is timely and relevant, given the current geopolitical climate.