Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio has called for firm action to defend Philippine sovereignty in light of China’s escalating diplomatic and maritime pressure. In a recent interview, Justice Carpio warned that the Philippines is being “bullied at sea” and “bullied in Manila,” highlighting that China’s coercive actions are no longer confined to the West Philippine Sea but now extend into diplomatic and political spaces within the country.
Justice Carpio emphasized that China must comply strictly with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which governs how foreign missions engage host governments. He criticized Chinese officials for bypassing the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) by directly communicating with Philippine line agencies, calling the practice “totally wrong” and a violation of diplomatic norms. Allowing this behavior risks undermining the Philippines’ institutional authority and emboldening further interference.
To counter these actions, Justice Carpio urged the Philippine government to summon the Chinese Ambassador and hold Chinese officials accountable. He underscored the principle of reciprocity: if China summons Philippine diplomats, the Philippines should respond in kind. Above all, he stressed that these measures should be framed publicly as responses to China’s bullying—both at sea and in the nation’s capital.
Justice Carpio’s message underscores that defending national sovereignty requires firmness, legal clarity, and adherence to international law. By enforcing diplomatic protocol and standing up to coercive rhetoric, the Philippines can protect its rights and reinforce a rules-based order that safeguards smaller states from great-power pressure.