MANILA, Philippines — Citing the Palace's position that presidential statements are binding, retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Tuesday urged President Rodrigo Duterte to retract some statements on the West Philippine Sea that are similarly binding. In a statement, Carpio noted that, in backing out in his challenge for debate, Duterte acknowledged that his policy statements may be binding on the government. After a series of insults to Carpio, part of the legal team that won the ruling, Duterte challenged the retired justice to a debate on issues on the West Philippine Sea. Although it was his idea to debate, Duterte later assigned his spokesperson Harry Roque to argue in his stead. Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo has also tried to insert himself into the discussion on a debate on the West Philippine Sea.

Source: Philippine Star May 11, 2021 06:22 UTC