Former justice carpio urges unified stand for eps sovereignty at palawan forum

Keynote speaker and former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio highlighted the legal foundations supporting the Philippines’ claim to the WPS, including historical treaties and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“To uphold our sovereignty, we must educate our people and present a unified voice to the world. Disparate narratives weaken our position against China’s claims,” Carpio asserted.

“We have to understand exactly what is the basis of our claim. And we will have to teach everybody, we must be on the same common page, we cannot beat China if we have different narratives. We have to be more vocal in explaining things to the world,” he added.

The forum gathered diverse stakeholders, including officials from Western Command and the Philippine Coast Guard-Palawan, students, provincial employees, civil society organizations, and representatives from the religious and local government sectors.

It was organized by the Mindanao State University Alumni Association, which took the initiative to bring this critical dialogue to Palawan.

Governor Dennis M. Socrates, speaking at the event, emphasized Palawan’s pivotal role as the “geographical frontline” in the nation’s maritime defense.

“Palawan being the geographical frontline in our nation’s WPS concerns, we, Palaweños need to deepen our understanding on issues involved and so to firm up our resolve in asserting and defending rights over the maritime zones and territory pertaining to the Philippines,” he said, reaffirming the province’s commitment to supporting national efforts in safeguarding the WPS.

The event not only shed light on the legal and historical underpinnings of the Philippines’ claims but also emphasized the importance of shared awareness and action in addressing maritime sovereignty challenges.