Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio said a rediscovered 19th-century map provides strong historical evidence supporting the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippine Sea.
The map, titled Carta General del Archipiélago Filipino (1875), was recently turned over to the National Library of the Philippines, adding to the growing body of historical materials cited in defense of the country’s maritime rights.
A “Most Complete” Map of Philippine Territory
Retired Senior Associate Justice Carpio described the 1875 map as “the most complete and detailed map of the Philippine territory during the Spanish regime.”
The map was produced following extensive hydrographic surveys conducted during the Spanish period, incorporating detailed measurements of Philippine waters and coastlines.
According to him, its accuracy and scope make it a critical historical document in understanding the extent of Philippine territory.
Scarborough Shoal Clearly Included
One of the key features of the map is its depiction of Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal) within Philippine territory.
Retired Senior Associate Justice Carpio noted that the shoal appears consistently in earlier maps—such as the 1734 Murillo-Velarde map—and is labeled “Panacot,” reinforcing its historical identification.
“So it cannot be disputed that Panacot is Scarborough Shoal,” he explained.
Spratly Islands Also Reflected
The map also includes parts of the Kalayaan Island Group (Spratly Islands), including what is now Pag-asa Island.
These features appear alongside other recognized Philippine territories, consistent with earlier and later official maps.
Historical records show that Spanish-era maps, including the 1875 edition, depicted these islands as part of Philippine territory—long before modern disputes arose.
Historical Continuity of Philippine Claims
Retired Senior Associate Justice Carpio emphasized that the 1875 map forms part of a consistent historical record, alongside earlier maps from 1734 and 1808.
These documents collectively demonstrate that Philippine territory, as understood during the Spanish period, already included areas now contested in the West Philippine Sea.
He also noted that the map was later used by American authorities, producing multiple versions for official use, further reinforcing its historical significance.
A Rediscovered Piece of Evidence
After years of searching in libraries and archives abroad, Retired Senior Associate Justice Carpio located a surviving copy of the map through a private collector and acquired it.
He later donated the map to the National Library to ensure public access and preservation.
He said the country “owes a debt of gratitude” to the map’s original creators, as their work now serves as key evidence in establishing Philippine sovereignty over contested maritime areas.
Strengthening the Case for Sovereignty
Retired Senior Associate Justice Carpio has long advocated using historical and legal evidence to support the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea.
The rediscovery of the 1875 map, he said, strengthens the country’s claim by showing that these territories were recognized as part of the Philippines long before competing claims emerged in the 20th century.