Paolo Barcelon (CNN Philippines)
November 24, 2018
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24) — Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, a staunch critic of the warming ties between the Philippines and China, says that he is optimistic of his chances to be appointed Chief Justice.
“I’m always optimistic,” Carpio told reporters Saturday. He is among those shortlisted by the Judicial and Bar Council to become the next head of the Supreme Court.
Carpio had fiercely lobbied for the Philippines when the country won its case against Beijing at the International Court of Arbitration regarding contested territories in the South China Sea.
He continued to call on Filipinos to be vigilant on the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the joint exploration with China.
“The only way to prevent accession of our sovereign rights is not to sign anything that will cede it. We cannot cure it after the fact,” Carpio said.
According to the Acting Chief Justice, the Supreme Court might not be able to stop any future agreement that would be tantamount to giving away Philippine territories to foreign powers.
“Even if we declare [such document] void, you won’t get it back because China will not submit to our jurisdiction. So it’s better for me to speak now so that a document like that would not be signed,” Carpio said.
If appointed Chief Justice, Carpio will serve until October 2019.