Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio is convinced that war is not necessary to assert the right of the Philippines over the West Philippines Sea.
“Alam mo, (You know,) unless we are prepared to go to war, I would suggest that we better just call off and treat this, I said, with diplomatic endeavors. China is claiming it. We are claiming it. China has the arms, we do not have it. So, it is simple as that. They are in possession of the property. It will remain a property of a — if you’re a lawyer, property rights.”
According to Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, “there are lawful and peaceful means of asserting sovereign rights. War is not even an option because the UN Charter outlaws resort to war to settle territorial or maritime disputes.”
He further stated that war as a national policy is a violation against the Philippine constitution. The Philippines cannot go to war only for the implementation of the arbitral ruling that favors the country.
“China does not possess the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) which is beyond the 12-nautical mile territorial seas of the disputed islands or high-tide geologic features.” Carpio added.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte discussed the issue on West Philippine Sea in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. He made it clear that amidst the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China, war is not an option.
“They are in possession. So what can we do? We have to go to war and I cannot afford it. Maybe some other president can but I cannot. Inutil ako riyan, sabihin ko sa inyo (I’m inutile when it comes to that, I tell you.) And I’m willing to admit it. Talagang inutil ako diyan. Wala akong magawa. (I’m really inutile when it comes to that. I cannot do anything.)”
Despite this, the Chief Executive pointed out that the Philippines has not halted in protecting the country’s sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. The country’s diplomatic coordination is continuously being strengthened. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
