The article argues that Scarborough Shoal, long claimed to be an integral part of the Philippines, was never actually included in Philippine territory as defined by historical treaties. It refutes claims made by retired magistrate Antonio Carpio, who asserts that the 1900 Treaty of Washington amended the 1898 Treaty of Paris to include Scarborough. The author insists that historical evidence and maps demonstrate Scarborough was excluded from Philippine territory, as the 1898 treaty drew a clear boundary that did not encompass the shoal.
The author attributes the exclusion of Scarborough to U.S. geopolitical concerns at the time, specifically their desire to avoid confrontation with European powers. He criticizes the reliance on Carpio’s claims, describing them as fabrications and accusing historical actors of allowing misinformation to permeate the public and military narratives about the shoal. The article contends that this narrative has contributed to hostile attitudes toward China and perpetuated a culture of Sinophobia in the Philippines. It concludes by emphasizing the lack of any maps supporting Carpio’s assertions regarding Scarborough’s status.
