Former Supreme Court Justice and international law advocate Antonio Carpio has publicly criticized the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) arrangement with China to resupply Philippine personnel at the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, while the DFA has rejected his objections and challenged him to propose alternatives. The dispute has highlighted competing views on legal strategy, the status of maritime features in the South China Sea, and possible diplomatic or legal avenues to protect Philippine interests, including proposals to involve the arbitral tribunal on rules for fishing in contested areas.
Carpio condemns the resupply arrangement and presses legal and policy alternatives
Carpio has described the DFA’s arrangement with China to resupply personnel at the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal as objectionable and has reiterated that Ayungin lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, arguing that China lacks authority over the outpost. He urged that alternative measures be considered to defend Philippines’ sovereign rights, including his proposal to return to the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal framework to draft common fishing rules for Scarborough Shoal and other legal steps to protect maritime interests. Carpio set out his criticisms in several public statements and outlined possible legal and diplomatic approaches he believes would better safeguard Philippine claims and rights.
Sources: Carpio slams DFA ‘deal’ with China – Daily Tribune, Carpio suggests alternatives to defending ‘Ayungin Deal’ – Inquirer.net, Carpio reiterates proposal to return to Arbitral Tribunal to draft common fishing rules in Scarborough Shoal – VERA Files, Carpio asserts Ayungin Shoal is within Philippines’ EEZ, says China has no authority over BRP Sierra Madre outpost – Daily Tribune