As the Philippines marks its third anniversary of winning the arbitral case against China over a maritime dispute, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has pointed out that the Duterte administration has failed to take any concrete steps to implement the ruling. In an interview, Carpio emphasized the importance of upholding the decision and holding China accountable for its actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). He noted that despite the Philippines’ victory, the country’s sovereignty and rights over the WPS remain compromised.
Carpio’s comments have sparked renewed debate on the government’s handling of the issue. Critics argue that the administration has not done enough to assert its claims in the disputed waters and protect its interests. They point out that while the arbitral ruling was a significant victory for the country, it has yet to be translated into concrete actions on the ground.
The Duterte administration’s inaction on this issue has been met with disappointment from various sectors, including fishermen and environmental groups who rely on the WPS for their livelihood. They are calling on the government to take a stronger stance against China’s aggressive behavior in the region and protect the country’s rights and interests.