Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has urged President Rodrigo Duterte to take a stronger stance on the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In a television interview, Carpio emphasized that only the country’s top leader can effectively communicate with China and address the issue.
Carpio pointed out that despite strong statements from Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Malacañang is downplaying the presence of Chinese vessels in the WPS. He noted that China only listens to a country’s top leader and that Duterte must speak up to assert the Philippines’ sovereign rights.
Carpio warned that if Duterte remains silent, China will continue to disregard Philippine claims. However, he also acknowledged that speaking up alone may not be enough to deter Chinese vessels from leaving the area.
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