Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio emphasized that the Philippines has an unshakeable right to its territories and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. In a recent interview with ANC, Carpio underscored the importance of asserting these claims, despite China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
Carpio pointed out that the Philippines has a strong legal basis for its claims, citing the 2013 Arbitral Tribunal ruling that declared China’s ‘nine-dash line’ invalid. He stressed that the country should not be intimidated by China’s increasing military presence in the area.
‘We have the strongest title to the West Philippine Sea,’ Carpio said. ‘We should not be afraid of China.’
Carpio’s comments come amidst growing tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed territories in the South China Sea. The Philippines has long claimed sovereignty over several islands and reefs in the area, but China has continued to assert its own claims, sparking concerns about regional stability.