Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, a leading voice in the country’s maritime disputes, recently sat down with Pinky Webb for an exclusive conversation. As tensions rise between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea, Justice Carpio emphasized the importance of upholding international law. Notably, he highlighted the arbitral award won by the Philippines in 2016, which has yet to be enforced due to ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Justice Carpio stressed that the award’s implementation is crucial in asserting the country’s sovereignty and territorial rights. He also drew attention to China’s continued island construction activities in the disputed waters, a move widely seen as a challenge to regional stability. Furthermore, he underscored the need for the Philippines to seek international assistance, potentially through the United Nations, to bring pressure on China to respect its obligations under international law.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has made significant progress in drafting implementing rules for the Anti-Terrorism Act, a development that Justice Carpio noted could have far-reaching implications for national security. As a seasoned jurist and expert on maritime issues, Justice Carpio’s insights offer valuable context to these pressing concerns.