Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has shed light on President Rodrigo Duterte’s apparent reliance on Chinese President Xi Jinping as a personal protector against potential military coup threats. In an exclusive ANC interview, Carpio expressed his deep concern over the implications of Duterte’s statements on the West Philippine Sea issue, labeling them a betrayal of public trust. The revered jurist pointed out that the president’s words and actions have significant consequences for the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Carpio emphasized that the Philippines’ interests in the disputed region should be prioritized over any perceived personal or economic benefits. He urged Duterte to reconsider his stance, lest he compromise the country’s dignity and national security. The outspoken justice warned that the president’s actions may have far-reaching repercussions for the Filipino people, underscoring the need for accountability and transparency in governance.