Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio emphasized the importance of strengthening international partnerships and enhancing maritime capabilities for the Philippines to effectively assert its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In an interview with ANC’s Headstart, Carpio highlighted the need for the country to solidify its rights in the disputed region.
‘We must leverage our international relationships to pressure China to comply with the arbitral award,’ Justice Carpio noted. ‘At the same time, we should strengthen our Coast Guard and Navy capabilities to protect our interests.’
The WPS has been a contentious issue for years, with China’s increasing assertiveness in the region sparking concerns among neighboring countries. The Philippines’ victory in the arbitration case against China has not yet resulted in significant changes on the ground.
Justice Carpio’s remarks underscored the need for sustained diplomatic efforts and enhanced military capabilities to safeguard the country’s interests in the WPS.