Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said the debate between President Rodrigo Duterte and retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues might still push through when the Chief Executive steps down from office in June 2022. “Much as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte wanted to debate with Mr. Antonio Carpio, the Chief Executive heeded the advice of the Cabinet and decided to designate his Spokesperson instead,” said Roque in a statement. Malacañang issued the statement after Duterte backed down from his own challenge to debate Carpio “upon the advice of his Cabinet.”

Valente, C. S. (2021, May 9). WPS debate might still happen in June 2022. The Manila Times, pp. A1, A2.