Despite the call of Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to continue the joint patrols between the Philippines and the US to guard territorial waters, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Defense Secretary Lorenzana not to prepare for joint patrols next year.
Carpio insisted on the continued joint patrols, even stating that it is part of Duterte’s duty as the President to guard the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as stated by the Constitution. It is also the duty of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which also falls under Duterte as commander-in-chief.
Carpio added that joint patrols are necessary to stop foreigners from poaching the marine resources of the country.
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As to who could help the Philippines in stop Chinese poachers, Carpio pointed to the United States.
However, the Palace said yesterday that Duterte’s decision remains. Abella stated that the president had prepared other “alternatives” that will be utilized in protecting the territorial waters of the country. He also added that Duterte is aware of his duty to protect the country’s 200-mile EEZ.
“I will chart an independent foreign policy. We will not break or abrogate existing treaties because they say this will provide us with an umbrella,” Duterte stated.
Still, Abella noted that there is a possibility to have a dialogue between the president and Associate Justice Carpio about matters regarding the protection of the disputed waters as long as Carpio asks the president for it.
Sources: (newsinfo.inquirer.net, mb.com.ph)
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