Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has thrown a constitutional spanner into the works of President Duterte’s administration. The retired justice has argued that the president’s agreement with China to allow its fishermen in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is a clear infringement on the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Carpio, known for his uncompromising stance on issues related to the West Philippine Sea, believes that the president’s actions are tantamount to an unconstitutional surrender of national patrimony. He points out that the Constitution clearly prohibits foreign entities from fishing within the EEZ without the consent of the Philippine government.
The implications of this agreement are far-reaching and have sparked heated debates among lawmakers, legal experts, and the general public. With Carpio’s sharp analysis and critical eye on the situation, it remains to be seen how the administration will respond to these constitutional concerns.