Illustration by Rene Elevera
The acting Chief Justice has become a dissenting voice in the wilderness in the fight for Philippine sovereignty over some islands in the Spratlys amid the government’s acquiescence to China’s militarization in the disputed waterway.
“Any self-respecting sovereign state will immediately formally protest such encroachment on its sovereignty and sovereign rights. The Philippines must do no less,” Carpio said after Beijing deployed nuclear strike-capable planes in the Paracels.
Soon, he said, Beijing may land long-range bomber planes on Philippine-claimed Panganiban, Zamora and Kagitingan Reefs.
President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier stressed the need to “remain meek and humble” to receive the “mercy” of the likes of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The President also said that Xi had vowed to protect him from any plan to remove him from office.