Lawyers’ group offers to host Carpio-Marcoleta debate

The Philippine Bar Association (PBA) expressed its readiness to moderate the proposed public debate between former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, offering a neutral venue for a healthy discussion on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The offer came as Carpio accepted Marcoleta’s challenge to a public debate, where Carpio proposed to tackle the legal existence of the WPS and the status of the Kalayaan Island Group.

In a statement released on Friday, the PBA, an independent and nonpartisan association of lawyers, said the group believes that an “open, reasoned and respectful exchange of views is essential to an informed citizenry.”

The association acknowledged that discussions on WPS are a matter of national significance, hence, offering to host it.

National significance

“We recognize that the matters concerning the West Philippine Sea carry significant implications. A structured debate-grounded in facts, law and civility—would meaningfully contribute to national discourse,” it added.

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The association said it will readily provide:

• A neutral and secure venue suitable for trusted media coverage and public access
• Professional moderators with expertise on the subject matters, as well as constitutional and public law
• Clear debate protocols ensuring fairness, equal time and decorum
• Open access for accredited media and livestreaming arrangements to ensure transparency

The association said it is prepared to work with Carpio’s and Marcoleta’s offices.