Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio has laid out a clear ‘formula’ for resolving tensions in the South China Sea, responding to President Rodrigo Duterte’s challenge to find peaceful ways to assert the country’s claim over the disputed waters.
Carpio, who has long been vocal on the issue of the West Philippine Sea, emphasized that the Philippines must first assert its sovereignty over its maritime zones through international law. He explained that the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) gives countries the right to claim a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, which includes vital marine resources and fisheries.
To effectively defend its claims, Carpio urged the government to strengthen diplomatic efforts with neighboring states and seek international support. He also called for increased awareness among Filipinos about their rights over the South China Sea, emphasizing that it is essential to build a strong public voice to push for the country’s interests.
Carpio’s ‘formula’ has been met with interest from various sectors in society who see it as an achievable and peaceful way to resolve the long-standing disputes in the region. His recommendations have sparked discussions on the need for a more unified stance among Southeast Asian countries, highlighting the importance of cooperation and collective action.
As tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea, Carpio’s roadmap offers hope for a peaceful resolution, emphasizing that it is possible to assert the country’s rights without resorting to conflict or violence. By taking this path, he believes that the Philippines can build a stronger foundation for its claims and foster greater cooperation with other nations.