VP Robredo, Justice Carpio Blame Each Other Over Mistake on Chinese Bomber in Woody Island

Vice President Leni Robredo and Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio are now blaming each other over the mistake in their separate statements in urging the Philippine government to protest the Chinese bomber that recently landed on Woody Island, which they both thought being part of disputed islands in South China Sea.

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“It should be noted that VP Leni Robredo was not first to release a statement on the news report about the China dropping a bomb on Woody Island. And because the vice president trusted the statement, she did not instruct us to verify the information.” Georgina Hernandez, Robredo’s spokesperson told reporters Wednesday, May 23.

“However, the vice president still maintains her stand against the Chinese bomber and she believes that the said action is posing threat against the Philippines. In line with this, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is still being urged to take diplomatic action against China.” She added, without mentioning Justice Carpio’s name.

On the other hand, a staff of Justice Carpio defended her boss, saying that the office of the Associate Justice coordinated with the Office of the Vice President (OVP), a day before the statement in question was released. “It is therefore unfortunate that the OVP is pointing to us.” The staff who did not identify herself told reporters Friday morning.

“Failure to formally protest means the Philippines is acquiescing or consenting to the militarization, and worse, to the claim of China that all the islands, waters and resources within the nine-dashed line form part of Chinese territory," Carpio, who is among the six SC Justices who voted against the Sereno's ousting said in a statement released last Tuesday.

“Lubhang nakababahala ang mga balitang mayroong lumapag na mga eroplano mula sa Tsina sa ating mga isla, na may kakahayahang gumamit ng armas nuklear. Maliban pa rito, nakakaalarma rin ang pagsagawa ng mga landing at take off exercises ng Tsina sa West Philippine Sea gamit ang kanilang mga long-range bombers.” Robredo said later.



However, it was later learned that Woody Island is located in the disputed Paracel Islands, which is not among the islands that Philippines is claiming. Instead, it is being claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that President Duterte does not consider China’s action as a threat to the country.

Contributed by Orlando Gagui