The Philippine Bar Association has offered to host and provide a neutral venue for a proposed debate between Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta and former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on issues concerning the West Philippine Sea.
“We recognize that the matters concerning the West Philippine Sea carry significant implications. A structured debate—grounded in facts, law, and civility—would meaningfully contribute to national discourse,” the association said.
The PBA said it is prepared to ensure media access, appoint professional moderators with expertise in constitutional and public law, and implement clear protocols on fairness, equal time, and decorum.
It also committed to open access for accredited media and livestreaming to promote transparency.
“We extend this invitation in the spirit of constructive engagement and democratic dialogue. The Association stands ready to coordinate with their respective offices to finalize the details at their convenience,” it added.
The proposed debate follows an earlier invitation by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela for Marcoleta to join a domain awareness flight over the Kalayaan Island Group.
Marcoleta responded that before visiting Kalayaan, he prefers to first engage in a debate with Tarriela, Carpio, and Jay Batongbacal, a professor at the University of the Philippines.