Retired Justice Carpio Demands Government Assurance for KIG Residents
Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has emphasized the need for the Philippine government to provide unequivocal assurances to the residents of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) that they will never be abandoned or forsaken. This call comes in response to controversial statements made by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who suggested that the Philippines should 'give up' the KIG.
Protection for Vulnerable Communities
According to Carpio, it is the right of the citizens in this municipality to hear a firm commitment from the Philippine government that they will not be neglected, especially given their vulnerable location in the disputed maritime area. He stressed that the government must demonstrate its protection of these residents, just as it safeguards all Philippine territories.
The retired magistrate argued that it is inappropriate to claim there is no West Philippine Sea under Philippine law, particularly when such statements come from a senator of the country. He noted that Marcoleta's remarks seemingly erase the existence of the free and happy residents living in this coastal town.
Debate Challenge on West Philippine Sea
Recall that Justice Carpio accepted Senator Marcoleta's challenge to debate the issue of the West Philippine Sea. When asked about his decision to engage in the debate, Carpio stated his intention to show Filipinos that the West Philippine Sea does exist, contrary to Marcoleta's claims, and that there are sufficient laws recognizing the Philippines' rights in the contested waters.
Carpio hopes that through this debate, the residents of Kalayaan municipality will be assured that they are an integral part of the Philippines, and that the notion of 'giving up' their area is unacceptable. The former Supreme Court justice aims to prove to the entire nation that the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Philippines and that no part of it should be abandoned.
