Justice Carpio’s DLSU commencement speech corrects a long-standing territorial misconception and urges Filipinos to understand the full legal basis of PH maritime claims.
Justice Carpio explains the UNCLOS legal framework for what constitutes an island versus a rock or low‑tide elevation, and why this distinction fundamentally affects maritime entitlements and territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea.
Justice Antonio T. Carpio delivers a detailed address on the Philippines’ constitutional duty to protect its marine wealth in the West Philippine Sea, explaining UNCLOS, the invalidity of China’s 9-dashed line claim, and why joint development under China’s terms would violate Philippine sovereignty.