IBP hails SC Justice Carpio’s moral courage, independence, delicadeza

MANILA, Philippines — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) honored on Friday retiring Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio for embodying independence, delicadeza, and courage in defending the West Philippine Sea (WPS), among others.

READ: Carpio to continue defending PH claims in disputed sea even after retirement

Describing him as a “good Filipino lawyer-Magistrate,” IBP National President and Chairman of the Board of Governors Domingo Cayosa said Carpio’s former decisions in landmark cases reflected his “independence, fealty to the Constitution, adherence to the rule of law and due process and genuine concern for the welfare and long-term interests of Filipinos.”

Antonio Carpio

“His steadfastness, moral courage and delicadeza at crucial moments are worth emulating,” Cayosa said in a statement.

“We look forward to his continuing contribution and patriotism in moving forward our country’s legal victory in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

Carpio is ending his 18-year service at the highest court of the land on October 26, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Although he was the most senior magistrate in the SC, he repeatedly declined his automatic nomination for the Chief Justice position.

Carpio was also most noted for being part of the legal team which won the arbitration case of the Philippines against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in the Netherlands in 2016.

The decision invalidated Beijing’s claim over vast portions of the South China Sea– which Carpio had dubbed as the most important waterway now.

READ: SC grants Carpio retirement privileges of a Chief Justice

On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Diosdado Peralta as the country’s 26th chief magistrate.

Peralta, an appointee of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the High Tribunal, previously backed cases favorable to the government, such as the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

READ: Carpio proposes clipping President’s powers in appointing SC justices

The IBP also issued a statement on Peralta, saying the tradition of seniority was observed in his appointment.

“We are hopeful that, under his leadership, the judiciary will resolve cases much faster inasmuch as his 25 years as magistrate are notable for speedy disposition of cases and innovations to expedite court processes,” Cayosa earlier said. /gsg

READ: IBP: Seniority tradition maintained in Peralta appointment as Chief Justice