THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines conferred a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa degree on UP College of Law alumnus and retired Justice of the Supreme Court Antonio Carpio.

“The honorary degree is conferred by the University upon individuals for outstanding achievements in their fields and exemplary service to their fellowmen,” UP said in a statement.

Carpio was lauded for his distinguished service to the nation as Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and for exhibiting impartiality, accountability and dedication to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.

“Justice Carpio was lauded for ardently defending human rights and championing freedom of expression, for advocating the protection and preservation of the country’s territorial rights and maritime sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea amid great adversity, and for being a true icon of the Filipino people, embodying a courageous life led in service to the country,” the university said.

After receiving his honorary degree, Carpio delivered a lecture on defending the Philippines’ sovereign territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea against China’s incursions into the territory in violation of international laws.

He urged “the best and the brightest legal warriors in our country” to stand up and fight to free the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone from foreign encroachment using the rule of law.

The conferment ceremony was attended by members of the UP Board of Regents, officials of the UP System and UP Diliman, members of the academic community of the UP College of Law represented by its dean, Atty. Fides C. Cordero-Tan, and former UP Law dean and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Marvic Leonen.