Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has shed light on the Philippines’ stance regarding its mutual defense treaty with the United States, particularly in relation to China’s recent use of lasers against Filipino fishermen. In a statement, Carpio explained that the Philippines can indeed invoke its treaty obligations under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), citing specific provisions that permit the country to request military assistance from its ally.
Carpio pointed out that Article IV of the MDT allows for joint defense in case of an armed attack, while Article I of the VFA enables the Philippines to request US military aid in times of crisis. He emphasized that these agreements are not mere paper commitments but have been consistently upheld and respected by both parties.
The former Justice’s clarification comes as China continues to face international scrutiny over its actions in the South China Sea, including the recent use of lasers against Filipino fishermen. The incident has sparked renewed calls for a more robust defense alliance between the Philippines and its key partners.