Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio’s differences with the Duterte administration on the West Philippine Sea row would not be a factor when the President picks the next chief justice, Malacañang claimed yesterday. Carpio, a vocal critic of President Duterte’s handling of the Philippines’ maritime dispute with China, is one of five justices automatically nominated for the post, which will be vacated by Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin when he retires in October. “No, I don’t think so. It doesn’t matter to him. What is important is he is highly qualified for the delicate job of the chief justice,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said when asked whether Carpio’s stance on the West Philippine Sea dispute would influence Duterte’s assessment of the magistrate’s qualifications.

Romero, A. (2019, August 2). Palace: Carpio's WPS stance immaterial in CJ selection. The Philippine Star, p. 9.