As a seasoned jurist and advocate for Philippine maritime rights, Justice Antonio Carpio has been a vocal proponent of peaceful resolution to disputes in the West Philippine Sea. In an exclusive interview with Karen Davila on ANC’s Headstart, he emphasized the importance of defending the country’s claims through diplomatic means rather than resorting to conflict.
Carpio underscored that the Philippines’ stance on the issue is not about seeking war or confrontation but rather upholding its legitimate rights and interests in the disputed waters. He highlighted the significance of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling, which decisively invalidated China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea.
The former Supreme Court Associate Justice also reiterated the need for a multilateral approach to addressing the complexities of maritime disputes. He called on neighboring countries and international organizations to work together in promoting cooperation and resolving differences through peaceful means.