Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Monday accepted the Philippine Bar Association’s offer to host a public debate with Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta, saying the senator’s remarks must be corrected.
“I accept the terms of the Philippine Bar Association. May terms sila, it will be a formal debate, papayag ako. Kahit saan, papayag ako,” Carpio said in a television interview.
The association earlier offered a neutral venue, professional moderators, clear debate protocols, and open media access for the event, which stemmed from Marcoleta’s challenge to Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela.
Marcoleta had suggested including Carpio and maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal in the discussion.
Carpio stressed the importance of clarifying issues raised by Marcoleta.
“Dahil nagsalita na si Marcoleta, we have to correct this. Otherwise, the people will be misinformed. We have to correct this,” he said.
He added that the debate should cover claims made by Marcoleta, including the senator’s assertion that there is no West Philippine Sea.
“Para matuto ‘yung publiko. This is to educate everybody. Dahil hindi pwede ‘yung isang senador, sinasabi niya in public na walang West Philippine Sea. Legally, walang West Philippine Sea. Okay, let’s debate on that,” Carpio said.
Carpio also addressed Marcoleta’s threat to sue him for treason over a 2011 territorial case decision.
“There’s no crime of treason during peacetime. Every freshman law student knows that treason can be committed only during war time,” he explained.
He noted that before such a charge could be filed, amendments to the Revised Penal Code and the Constitution would be necessary.
“Saka dapat, kumbinsihin ‘yung President at saka Senate na mag-withdraw tayo sa UNCLOS. Dahil sa UNCLOS, we agree that our territorial sea ay hanggang 12 nautical miles lang,” Carpio said, emphasizing that the Constitution requires adherence to international law.