Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio has expressed his willingness to participate in a public forum to clarify legal questions raised regarding the Philippines’ maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea.

The invitation came from Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who recently called for a debate on whether certain features in the Kalayaan Island Group fall within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Justice Carpio has consistently maintained that the Philippines’ maritime rights are firmly grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides that a coastal state’s EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from its baselines. He has further emphasized that the 2016 arbitral ruling affirmed the Philippines’ rights within its EEZ in the West Philippine Sea.

The proposed discussion may also involve Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela and maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal, both of whom have publicly addressed issues concerning Philippine maritime jurisdiction.

From an institutional perspective, open and informed dialogue on these matters is essential. Public understanding of EEZ entitlements, baselines, and arbitral decisions strengthens national awareness and reinforces adherence to international law.

A structured forum grounded in legal principles rather than political rhetoric could contribute meaningfully to clarifying misconceptions and affirming the Philippines’ lawful maritime rights.