Retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has debunked China's claims of sovereignty over some features of the West Philippine Sea, including Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, Spratlys Island, and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), saying it is "utterly false." Carpio made the remark after the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the Philippines of "intruding" in Ayungin and Scarborough shoals, saying that it was "China's territory since ancient times." "Ayungin Shoal is not a territory as ruled by the arbitral tribunal in its award of 12 July 2016," Carpio was quoted as saying in a statement released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Friday.

Kabagani, L. J. (2023, October 14). Ayungin Shoal within Phl EEZ. Daily Tribune, p. A6.