Analysts criticize planned South China Sea debate

Political analysts criticized a planned debate between the presidential spokesman and retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio T. Carpio on the South China Sea dispute.

Analysts argued that the debate would highlight the government's inability to address the issue effectively, as President Rodrigo Duterte had initially challenged Mr. Carpio to a debate but later backed out due to Cabinet advice.

Duterte asked his spokesman Herminio Roque Jr. to represent him in the debate instead, citing fairness concerns since Mr. Carpio is no longer a government official.