Justice Antonio T. Carpio revisits the Carta General at 150 years, highlighting its decisive role in affirming Philippine territorial sovereignty.
Justice Carpio reaffirms Panacot—Bajo de Masinloc—Scarborough Shoal as Philippine territory through centuries of maps, records, and state acts.
Justice Carpio explains the importance of the 1734 Murillo Velarde map as the first scientific map of the Philippine archipelago that illustrates features like Scarborough Shoal and Spratlys as part of the nation and supports sovereign maritime claims.
Justice Carpio explains why Scarborough Shoal has become a legal and strategic “red line” in the South China Sea dispute, rooted in Philippine historic rights, UNCLOS entitlements, and international opposition to China’s enhanced claims and potential militarization.
Justice Carpio explains why naming features in the South China Sea does not confer sovereignty or maritime rights, outlines how sovereign states can lawfully name features, and notes the historical precedence of Philippine names like those on the 1734 Velarde‑Bagay‑Suarez map.