Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has issued a stark warning to the Philippine government regarding its dealings with China in the disputed West Philippine Sea. In an interview, Carpio emphasized that seeking permission from China for any activity in the area would amount to relinquishing the country’s sovereign rights. He also stressed that allowing Chinese vessels to inspect Filipino-crewed resupply ships during their refueling activities would be a major concession and compromise of national sovereignty.
Carpio’s comments come at a time when the Philippines is facing mounting pressure from China in the South China Sea. The former Justice has been a vocal critic of the Duterte administration’s handling of the issue, arguing that it has not done enough to protect the country’s interests.