Malacañang on Sunday commended Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio who retired last week, saying he served the country well despite his critical stance in the Duterte administration’s handling of the maritime conflict in the West Philippine Sea.
Carpio, who has served the Supreme Court for nearly two decades, retired from the judicial service on Oct. 28 upon reaching the mandatory age retirement of 70.
“He has served his country well. He is a great Justice. We commend him for that,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a radio interview.
“We do not agree in his position in the West Philippine Sea but then its a free country, he has a right to criticize and give suggestions. What is important is his stance, even if contradictory to ours, is rooted on his love for country,” Panelo said.
Carpio was hailed by his colleagues as the quintessential scholar, a patriot and a leader who established the legal framework of the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea.
He was one of the legal luminaries behind the Philippines’ case against China before the international tribunal that found “no legal basis” for China’s “nine-dash line” claim in the area in 2016.
The court favored the Philippines in 2016 and spelled out the country’s marine entitlements in the disputed waters.
Since President Rodrigo Duterte has long refused to invoke the 2016 arbitral ruling, Carpio has repeatedly criticized him, and the former fired back against the SC justice.
With his retirement, Carpio said he hopes to remain active in his advocacy of protecting national sovereignty and territory.
Panelo, who has also repeatedly slammed Carpio over his position in the maritime conflict, said there is nothing wrong with it.
“A person who has principles should continue his work whatever might be his status in life. He should continue it until he acquires enlightenment,” Panelo said in Filipino.