Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio has come out swinging at President Rodrigo Duterte over his handling of the West Philippine Sea dispute. In a scathing statement, Carpio accused Duterte of allowing China to seize territory and resources that rightfully belong to the Philippines.
Carpio pointed out that during his time as an SC magistrate in 2012, he had recommended taking China to arbitration over its massive claims in the South China Sea. The Aquino administration eventually filed the case in 2013, which led to a landmark ruling in 2016 declaring China’s claim to be illegal.
However, Duterte has since ignored this ruling and instead allowed Chinese fishermen to fish in Philippine waters. Carpio noted that Filipinos are now even importing galunggong from China, the same fish that Chinese fishermen take in the West Philippine Sea.
Carpio also criticized Duterte for his admiration of Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying that it is unacceptable for a Filipino leader to prioritize relationships with foreign powers over the country’s sovereignty and interests.
As chairperson of the 1Sambayan coalition, Carpio emphasized that Filipinos deserve a president who will uncompromisingly defend Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. He urged voters to demand better from their leaders in the upcoming elections.
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