Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio has lauded President Duterte’s vow to protect the sovereignty of the nation in the West Philippine Sea during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday. The most senior magistrate of the Supreme Court, who has vocally criticized the Duterte administration’s supposed inaction on the Chinese buildup in contested areas in the South China Sea, said the President took the correct stance when he said the government would defend the country’s interest. “That’s the correct position. We should never give up our rights there,” he said in an ambush interview after the SONA at the House of Representatives.

Punay, E., & Laude, J. (2018, July 25). Duterte's vow to defend WPS lauded, supported. The Philippine Star, p. 2.