Retired Supreme Court (SC) senior associate justice Antonio Carpio on Wednesday suggested several topics that can be discussed during his possible debate with Senator Rodante Marcoleta.
In a message to Manila Standard, the retired justice shared that he accepts the senator’s debate challenge.
“The topic will be: Is there legally a West Philippine Sea? If yes, are the maritime features of the Kalayaan Island Group part of the West Philippine Sea?” Carpio said.
He emphasized that the state should protect its marine wealth in the country’s exclusive economic zone, adding that Marcoleta insists that there is no West Philippine Sea.
The senator in question has since replied to Carpio in a social media post.
“I thank former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio for accepting the proposal for a friendly, freewheeling debate intended to clarify the questions on the West Philippine Sea, in a manner that will enlighten our people on the issues surrounding these troubled seas, making them the ultimate winner of this discussion,” Marcoleta wrote.
However, the senator said that although Carpio’s two-part proposition is structured and precise, it ultimately restricts the scope of the discourse surrounding the West Philippine Sea.
“The West Philippine Sea issue cannot be reduced to a binary legal inquiry on terminology or geographic inclusion, as this risks pre-framing the debate in favor of a particular narrative rather than enabling a genuine examination of all relevant discussions,” Marcoleta said.
He expressed hope that Carpio will agree to a healthy exchange “without any imposed limitations.”
“If the arguments are sound, they will withstand scrutiny across all fronts—legal, historical, and geopolitical. A friendly debate should illuminate the entire landscape, but any restriction will shortchange the people who deserve to see the complete picture,” Marcoleta said.
