Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has shed light on the implications of China citing the 2002 Declaration on Conduct in the South China Sea. In an exclusive interview with ANC, Justice Carpio explained that this move is significant because it recognizes the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This development may signal a shift in China’s stance on occupying disputed features in the West Philippine Sea.
Justice Carpio emphasized the importance of understanding the intricacies of international law and its relevance to the South China Sea dispute. He stressed that the Philippines’ case against China is built on the principles of UNCLOS, which guarantees the rights of coastal states to explore and exploit marine resources within their exclusive economic zones.
With the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign ongoing, Justice Carpio also touched on the implications of this probe for the Philippines’ international reputation. He highlighted the need for accountability in governance and the importance of upholding human rights standards.