Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has set the record straight on a contentious issue in the West Philippine Sea case. In his State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte claimed that the Hague tribunal allegedly did not hear China’s position during the proceedings.
However, according to Justice Carpio, this claim is ‘totally false.’ He explained that the Hague tribunal indeed heard and considered China’s submissions on the matter. The retired justice emphasized that the tribunal’s decision was based on a thorough examination of all relevant evidence presented by both parties.
In light of Duterte’s statement, Carpio’s clarification highlights the importance of accurate information in resolving complex disputes like the one over the West Philippine Sea. His insight is crucial in shedding light on the actual events surrounding the case and its implications for the country.