This is the commencement speech delivered by Justice Antonio T. Carpio on June 7, 2019, at the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, held at Club Filipino, Quezon City. The speech highlights the vital role of communication and journalism in upholding truth, promoting informed discourse, and addressing national challenges.

The commencement speech, delivered by Justice Antonio T. Carpio, is a passionate call to action for upholding the rule of law in defending the Philippines’ sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. Justice Carpio emphasizes the importance of international law and the historic arbitral award in favor of the Philippines. He urges the brightest legal minds in the country to stand up against foreign encroachment and asserts that the battle for maritime rights is the modern equivalent of historic battles for freedom. He highlights the strategic and economic significance of the South China Sea and calls for a truth movement to counter false historical narratives regarding maritime claims.

Key Points:

1. Rule of Law as the Great Equalizer: Justice Carpio asserts that the rule of law is the most powerful weapon in defending the country’s maritime rights.
2. Historical Context: He draws parallels between the current maritime disputes and past battles for freedom, urging the best legal minds to defend the nation.
3. UNCLOS: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea