Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio emphasized the importance of protecting the Philippines’ extended continental shelf in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In a recent interview, he stressed that filing a new arbitration case could be an effective way for the country to defend its sovereign rights.
Carpio pointed out that China’s latest claim on Sandy Cays is just one example of the numerous territorial disputes in the region. He highlighted the need for the Philippines to assert its claims and protect its interests, particularly in the face of increasing Chinese aggression.
The former justice also noted that the Philippine government has a constitutional obligation to protect its extended continental shelf, which includes vital marine resources and ecosystems. Carpio stressed that filing an arbitration case could provide a peaceful and legally binding solution to resolve the dispute.