Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has asserted that China cannot legally prevent the Philippines from constructing facilities on Ayungin Shoal, emphasizing the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) rights under the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling.

He argued that the EEZ grants freedom of navigation and overflight for all states, and the Philippines holds sovereign rights to build structures there without prior consultation with China.Carpio criticized the provisional agreement between Manila and Beijing, questioning its legality if it restricts Philippine actions at Ayungin Shoal.

He noted that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has not disclosed the full text of the pact, which he claims could undermine Filipino sovereignty.

The remarks come amid tensions following a confrontation near BRP Sierra Madre, where Chinese Coast Guard personnel allegedly assaulted Philippine Navy troops.President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.addressed the issue during a meeting with China's envoy, condemning Beijing's actions as 'illegal and aggressive.

' The dispute highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions over South China Sea claims, with China disputing the 2016 ruling that supports Philippine sovereignty in the region.