Retired Justice Antonio T. Carpio refutes Senator Marcoleta’s threat to file treason charges over the 2011 Magallona v. Ermita ruling, explaining that treason applies only in wartime and that the decision aligned Philippine law with UNCLOS and constitutional principles.
Justice Carpio outlines how the Philippines uses archipelagic and normal baselines under UNCLOS and existing law to measure maritime zones, and explains why issuing and publishing official nautical charts is key to asserting sovereign rights.
Justice Carpio explains why China does not respect Philippine sovereignty, detailing historical seizures of maritime features and the invalidity of China’s nine‑dash line under international law, and why China’s conduct undermines Philippine sovereign rights.
Justice Carpio explains why Subi Reef—though a low‑tide feature—is within the Philippines’ territorial sea because it lies within 12 nautical miles of Pag‑asa Island under the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.