Carpio: Duterte gave up PH right over Ayungin in an agreement w/ China | Global News

Carpio: Duterte gave up PH right over Ayungin in an agreement w/ China

/ 04:34 PM March 28, 2024

carpio duterte

Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio and Former President Rodrigo Duterte. (INQUIRER and PRESIDENTIAL file photos)

MANILA, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte surrendered the Philippines’ sovereign rights over Ayungin Shoal in what was disguised as a “gentlemen’s agreement” with China.

This statement comes from Former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio.

Article continues after this advertisement

The “gentlemen’s agreement” governs Manila’s maintenance and repair of the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy vessel grounded in the disputed area.

FEATURED STORIES

READ: Ex-President Duterte, China had deal to keep WPS status quo – Roque

According to Duterte’s “status quo” agreement, the Philippine vessel may only deliver water and food to Sierra Madre, but not construction materials for its repairs.

Article continues after this advertisement

Carpio said the agreement favoring China violated the July 12, 2016 Arbitral Tribunal’s ruling recognizing Ayungin Shoal as part of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: PH wins arbitration case over South China Sea

Article continues after this advertisement

Under the Arbitral Award, China had no right to erect any structure on Ayungin Shoal and had no right to stop the Philippines from conducting activities in the area.

“President Duterte knew that without repairs, the BRP Sierra Madre would soon collapse and, thus, end our presence in Ayungin Shoal,” Carpio said in a text message.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Yet Duterte agreed, in a concession to China, that the Philippines could only bring food and water to BRP Sierra Madre and would not bring materials to repair the Sierra Madre,” he noted.

“Duterte’s ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ was lopsided in favor of China… That “gentlemen’s agreement” was a disguised surrender of our EEZ rights over Ayungin Shoal as it gave China veto power over our exclusive right to erect structures on Ayungin Shoal,” the former Supreme Court Justice explained.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.

TAGS: Carpio, Duterte, West Philippine Sea, WPS

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.